The U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Edward F. Crawford, has encouraged Irish businesses to continue investing in the U.S. and that it should be their number one destination when considering future investment opportunities. The ‘Invest in the United States’ seminar at William Fry on 12 September was Ambassador Crawford’s first event focused on Irish inward investment into the U.S. since taking office in July.
Over 150 delegates from across Irish industry received practical advice on investing in the United States, navigating the challenging U.S. immigration landscape, and how to position their company to best access funding. In addition to panellists from the U.S. Embassy, there was also contributions from William Fry Enterprise Ireland, Silicon Valley Bank, and SoftCo.
Speaking in William Fry’s Grand Canal headquarters, His Excellency Mr. Edward Crawford, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, told delegates: “America is still the best place for Irish companies to invest in their future”.
Despite Brexit uncertainty and geopolitical tensions globally, Irish investment in the U.S. is at an all-time high with 800 Irish companies employing an estimated 100,000 people across the U.S. In 2019, Irish foreign direct investment to the U.S. is valued at US$146bn. Similarly, U.S. investment in Ireland is also at record levels with over 155,000 people directly employed in over 700 U.S. firms across the country.
Welcoming Ambassador Crawford to William Fry, Bryan Bourke, Managing Partner at William Fry said: “We are delighted to work with the U.S. Embassy in giving guidance to the next phase of Irish investment in the U.S. While Ireland is an open economy, there are real signs that it is increasingly becoming a stronger global player in its own right and our business relationship with the U.S. is central to that future success.”
Finola Cunningham, Head of Commercial Section at the Embassy of the United States, added: “Today’s seminar, in partnership with William Fry, is a masterclass for Irish companies looking to invest in the United States, either for the first time or to expand their already existing operations.”
Following President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Edward F. Crawford to be United States Ambassador to Ireland, he was confirmed by the United States Senate in June 2019. Ambassador Crawford presented his credentials to Irish President Michael D. Higgins on 1 July 2019.
