USA Trade Mission Bound for Newry, Dundalk and Belfast

Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce joined over 100 business representatives in Dundalk today, 11 September, to launch a USA/Cross Border Trade Mission due to arrive in Ireland towards the end of the month.

The gathering took place at the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board's, Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk

The USA delegation will be led by the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh (IIP) and its CEO, Jim Lamb and today's launch outlined a packed schedule of cross-border engagement and networking opportunities in Newry, Dundalk, and Belfast during the Trade Mission, which runs from 22–25 September. The visit coincides with the highly anticipated NFL clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.

The partners behind the Trade Mission initiative are Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Newry Chamber of Commerce, AMTCE-LMETB and Invest NI. Senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Louth CC, DBEC (Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor) and DKIT also attended the launch.

Attendees included representatives from early-stage scale ups and established SMES looking to break into the US or expand cross border in technology, software, manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, healthcare agri-food and food tech and other high growth sectors.

Speaking at the meeting Michael Savage CEO of Newry Chamber said: "Today's event is about nurturing and encouraging cross-border collaboration and promoting the Newry-Dundalk border hinterland as an excellent place to do business. Both our chambers are working hard with businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for the border region. Newry's dual market access opportunities are pivotal to our future success in both areas, and our engagement today will help build strong cross-border relationships that will maximise that economic potential.”

Paddy Malone, PRO and Board Member of Dundalk Chamber said, “We have worked very successfully with LMETB and Newry Chamber in the past and we are delighted to be partnering with them again on this very important initiative. Both Chambers have made submissions in regard to the national development plan and the upcoming Trade Mission is another step in promoting the M1 Corridor and the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC).”

Gerard Smith, Director of AMTCE, said, “The USA/Cross-Border Trade Mission is a strategic initiative designed to open new pathways for companies, enabling them to explore cross-border opportunities while also accessing the U.S. market. It will foster joint ventures, collaborative alliances, and knowledge-sharing around innovative technologies and services ensuring businesses stay ahead of emerging trends in real time.”

Since its opening, AMTCE has established itself as a national and cross border hub for training and innovation. It delivers world-class education and upskilling opportunities for apprentices, students, and workers at every stage of their careers. By combining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, the Centre ensures learners gain the practical skills demanded by modern manufacturing. It also acts as a bridge between industry and academia, fostering collaboration, research, and a culture of continuous innovation.

Sam Knox of Invest NI spoke about the trade opportunities that the Trade Mission offered and commented “The key opportunity areas for collaboration in Ireland are renewable energy, low carbon heat and transport, circular economy and carbon services, green manufacturing and the Dublin to Belfast Economic Corridor, with its potential for increased trade and tourism.

But to deliver all this, we need training and investment, hence the high level of government investment into the AMTCE here in Dundalk and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Belfast, who are working collaboratively with businesses to deliver the skills needed now and in the future.”