Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh speaks with Derry and Strabane Council Ceo John Kelpie (left) and Mayor Michaela Boyle
The delegation, led by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Nicholas Crossan met Mayor Walsh to showcase the North West region as a prime location for investment.
“In a global economy, Boston needs strong ties with cities and regions around the world, and I’m proud that Boston has continued its special relationship with our counterparts in Ireland,” said Boston Mayor Martin Walsh.
“Our partnership promotes strong communities and shared prosperity for all, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Cllr Michaela Boyle thanked Mayor Walsh for his hospitality and support for the North West region and extended an invitation to him to the region when he is in Ireland later this month.
An Cathaoirleach Cllr Nicholas Crossan said Mayor Walsh’s warm welcome was an indication of his huge support and commitment to the region.
The trade and investment mission was led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council and includes representatives from third level and further education providers and development organisations including Ulster University, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, the North West Regional College, Donegal ETB and Catalyst, who also explored Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Programme partnership opportunities with their counterparts in the area.
During the visit the North West delegation and seven companies from the Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council areas attended a number of meetings, networking and civic events.
As part of the trade mission the delegation promoted the educational opportunities in the North West with the diaspora community in Philadelphia, where educational organisations will have the opportunity to showcase the world-leading education provision across UU, NWRC, LYIT and Donegal ETB.
The group met with leading business executives and industry influencers, in both Boston and Philadelphia and the Mayors used the occasion to strengthen the civic ties that exist between these two great American cities and the Northwest.
One of the key events during the Boston visit was the launch of the Atlas for a City Region at Harvard University.
The project, a unique 18 month long project commissioned by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council under the auspices of the North West Regional Development Group, was established to investigate how the cross border Derry/Letterkenny North West City Region can be shaped in light of the economic, political and social realities of Brexit.
The group also attended a series of civic events including meetings with the Irish International Immigrant Centre, Boston’s District Hall and the Boston State House, and participated in the annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards luncheon.
The seven Derry/Strabane and Donegal based companies travelling with the delegation followed their own bespoke itinerary where they met with key contacts to explore and understand opportunities in the US market, develop in-market networks and build relationships with potential customers, agents/distributors.
The companies were – O’Neill’s International Sportswear, Humanity Cosmetics, Learning Pool and Brand It Technologies from the Derry and Strabane District Council area, and from Donegal, EKO Chute, MMG Welding and the Wild Fuschia Bakery.
The trade mission was funded by The Executive Office and the Irish Government.
For more information on the trade mission visit www.irelandNW.com and follow the hashtag #IrelandNW19.
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