Cllr Mickey Cooper
SINN Féin spokesperson on the local economy Councillor Mickey Cooper has welcomed the forthcoming visit by a delegation from the Pennsylvania state government’s Office of International Business Development to the Derry and Strabane district.
He said it was the culmination of a long term engagement involving himself, former finance minister Mairtin O’Muilleoir and Derry Strabane Council to bring the delegation to the city.
Councillor Mickey Cooper said: “I am delighted that representatives from the Pennsylvania State government have agreed to make a presentation to the Business & culture Committee this week to outline opportunities that exist for further trade and investment links to be developed between the two areas.
“Pennsylvania is already a key export location for Irish firms in product areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical instruments, cosmetics, industrial machinery and IT equipment with total exports of over $1.5 billion dollars going from Ireland to Pennsylvania in 2015.
“As our council area continues to diversify its product and services base it is vital that we as a local council make further connections with PA and other cities on the eastern seaboard to maximise opportunities for export and also to allow Irish companies to reciprocate trading opportunities for US companies seeking to forge alliances here.
“I am therefore delighted that PA state representatives have agreed to come to our city and district to see all that it has to offer.
“This presentation will hopefully be the start of this relationship and lead to further job creation and economic benefit for both Derry/Strabane and Pennsylvania”.
