Strengthening Global Ties: North Carolina’s Economic and Tourism Ventures with Ireland
In a bid to enhance international business and tourism prospects, North Carolina’s Governor, Josh Stein, has been actively engaging with Irish officials and corporate leaders. The recent visit to Ireland underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering strong economic and cultural connections across the Atlantic.
Governor Stein highlighted the flourishing relationship between North Carolina and Ireland, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from their economic collaborations. “Nearly 50 Irish companies operate in our state, employing 7,000 North Carolinians,” said Governor Josh Stein. He further noted the significant rise in exports, reflecting strengthened economic ties and a promising outlook for future partnerships.
North Carolina’s appealing business environment, featuring a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, continues to attract Irish investments. “Irish companies are investing in North Carolina because our state offers the workforce, infrastructure and business climate they need to compete and grow,” said North Carolina Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary Kenny Flowers. This strategy also aims to bolster tourism and create more job opportunities.
The transatlantic relationship is indeed a two-way street. North Carolina not only hosts major Irish enterprises like Linde, Uniphar, and Wayflyer, but also actively exports goods valued at nearly $890 million to Ireland, making it one of the state’s top export markets. “North Carolina and Ireland share a strong commitment to long-term growth, and we’re excited to continue building on those ties,” remarked Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. The introduction of nonstop flights between Raleigh-Durham and Dublin by Aer Lingus further facilitates business and tourism exchanges.
During his visit, Governor Stein engaged with several key figures, including the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Mason, and the Minister of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Peter Burke. He also participated in the North Carolina Investment and Trade Seminar, focusing on potential investment ventures for Irish companies in the state.
Tourism remains a pivotal aspect of the North Carolina-Ireland relationship. With Ireland ranking as the seventh-largest European source of visitors to the state, valued at $8.5 million in spending, efforts are concentrated on enhancing North Carolina’s appeal as a tourism destination. This is supported by direct flights offered by American Airlines from Dublin to Charlotte and the new year-round Aer Lingus service to Raleigh.
Irish enterprises have firmly established their footprint in North Carolina, with nearly 200 locations employing over 7,000 individuals. Since 2021, the state’s exports to Ireland have surged by 75%, solidifying Ireland as its tenth-largest export market. Significant investments from companies like Linde, Eaton Corporation (Middlesex), and Wayflyer have contributed substantially to the local economy.
The life sciences sector is a cornerstone of the North Carolina-Ireland economic alliance, with pharmaceutical products comprising 84% of the state’s exports to Ireland. North Carolina’s burgeoning life sciences industry, which employs over 225,000 people, highlights the potential for continued bilateral growth and collaboration.
Consistently ranked as a top state for business, North Carolina’s economic success is evident with more than $29 billion in new investments and 42,000 jobs announced since Governor Stein took office. The state’s strategic initiatives and international partnerships continue to drive its economic ascension.
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