Newry hosts US trade delegation led by Joe Kennedy III

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte was delighted to welcome the US trade delegation to the district during its visit to Newry on Tuesday 24 October. 

Led by US Special Envoy, Joe Kennedy III, Newry was the first stop on the delegation’s Northern Ireland itinerary, which is here to strengthen ties and identify potential investment opportunities with local businesses trading at an international level.

Ingenuity and innovation define this dynamic area, from groundbreaking start-ups to established industry leaders and Newry is perfectly positioned mid-way between the capital cities of Belfast and Dublin, a prime position on the Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte had an opportunity to address the delegation and promote the district as a sound place for investment, at a special event hosted by First Derivatives in their offices, and attended by Intertrade Ireland, Invest NI, Newry Chamber of Commerce, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and staff from First Derivates. The highly significant reception was also attended by a wide range of local partner and business representatives.  She said, “Our district boasts a thriving community of groundbreaking start-ups and established global leaders. Its strategic location, skilled workforce and excellent infrastructure is a testament to the opportunities and advantages that it offers renowned companies such as First Derivative, Glen Dimplex Group, MJM Marine, Norbrook, Stat Sports and Collins Aerospace.

“The Council is at the forefront of a public/private sector collaborative approach to transforming the district through the delivery of key infrastructure projects.  This includes a public sector investment in the Newry area of up to £200 million over the next five years through funding from the Belfast Region City Deal and complementary funds.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is leading on digital infrastructure development and a £23.1m full fibre project with local partners, linking public sites with fast fibre. It also implementing a Digital Technology Flexible Fund to help businesses adopt technologies like artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and data analytics, boosting their competitiveness and success. This creates a vibrant and robust digital innovation ecosystem across the region. 

Besides our unique location, with a new UNESCO Global Geopark and three Outstanding Natural Beauty areas, the Council’s collaboration with employers and colleges focuses on improving Newry, Mourne and Down’s employability and achievements in business and technology.

Cllr Valerie Harte concluded, “I invite you to be a part of this success story, to invest in a district that is not only rich in history and culture but is also a fertile ground for innovation, collaboration and expansion. We are ready for investment, where existing global businesses are thriving and numerous indigenous businesses are growing.”

Photo Caption: Pictured (L-R) during a visit to First Derivative in Newry are Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Victoria Shanks, Executive Director at First Derivative, Joseph P. Kennedy III, U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Jayne Brady, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, David Collins, CEO First Derivative and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte.