Little-Pengelly says Northern Ireland “deserves its place on the global stage” ahead of Washington visit

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly in Washington DC last year.

Northern Ireland will be firmly in the international spotlight this week as Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly travels to Washington, D.C. for a packed programme of events marking St Patrick’s Day.

The deputy First Minister said the visit is a key opportunity to promote Northern Ireland internationally, strengthen economic ties with the United States, and champion local businesses on a global stage.

During the trip, she will attend several high-profile engagements, including a reception at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Speaker’s Luncheon at the United States Capitol alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Showcasing Northern Ireland internationally

Little-Pengelly will also host the NI Bureau Breakfast, addressing more than 300 stakeholders from politics, business, academia and cultural sectors.

She said the annual Washington programme offers a major platform to promote Northern Ireland’s economic strengths and investment potential.

“St Patrick’s Week in Washington DC is a vital opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest.

“This week is also an opportunity to champion Northern Ireland businesses, strengthen trade links with the U.S. and support our companies to expand exports and build new partnerships.”

The deputy First Minister said the Executive is committed to building a “globally competitive and sustainable economy” and wants to deepen partnerships with international businesses.

“Already 70% of U.S businesses who have invested in Northern Ireland reinvest and expand and I want to continue to build on that.”

Promoting key growth sectors

Throughout the visit, Little-Pengelly will promote Northern Ireland’s strengths across several high-growth industries, including cyber security, FinTech, RegTech, advanced manufacturing and health sciences.

She also highlighted the role of the region’s workforce and universities in attracting global investment.

“So this week will be about shining a spotlight on what we have to offer. From meetings with the President, to engagements with key stakeholders, my focus will be on highlighting our position as world leaders in a range of key sectors including cyber security, FinTech, RegTech, advanced manufacturing and health sciences, as well as our skilled workforce and world class universities.”

She pointed to strong economic indicators, noting that Northern Ireland businesses now export to more than 100 countries worldwide.

The region, she said, is the second most competitive area in the UK for attracting inward investment and has been ranked number one in Europe among mid-sized regions for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy.

“We have such a good story to tell. We deserve our place on the global stage and this week will be about making sure we maximise our full potential.”

Celebrating historic US–Northern Ireland connections

Alongside business and political meetings, the deputy First Minister will also speak at a special event organised by the Department for Communities and the America 250 Commission.

The event will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Little-Pengelly said the occasion will highlight the deep historical and cultural connections between Northern Ireland and the United States.

“This special event will be an opportunity to commemorate a defining moment in global history and celebrate the enduring connections between NI and the U.S. which have been shaped by our rich cultural, historical and personal links.”

At a glance

• Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is visiting Washington DC for St Patrick’s Week events.

• She will attend a White House reception with U.S. President Donald Trump.

• The visit includes the Speaker’s Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol and several stakeholder engagements.

• More than 300 political, business and academic leaders will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast she is hosting.

• The trip aims to promote Northern Ireland as a place to live, work, invest and study.

• Key sectors being promoted include cyber security, FinTech, advanced manufacturing and health sciences.

• Northern Ireland businesses now export to more than 100 countries worldwide.

• A special event will also mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

• The visit highlights economic links and historic connections between Northern Ireland and the United States.