Growing Jobs: US-Ireland Priorities and Bilateral Opportunities - Ambassador Rooney's Speech
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Go Raibh Maith Agaibh for that kind introduction.
An Taoiseach, Minister Bruton, distinguished guests and colleagues, it is a distinct honor to welcome you to Farmlee House and to this U.S.-Ireland Business Conference.
Fáilte. Welcome. I am grateful that you have come -- many from the United States -- to this important conversation.
This afternoon, ahead of the Diaspora meetings tomorrow, we want to underscore the friendship and business ties that already exist between our two wonderful countries. We also want to make clear that there is true potential for even greater and deeper economic cooperation.
I am especially pleased for the assistance we have had from the Taoiseach and Minister Richard Bruton in co-hosting this conference. Farmleigh is a beautiful, historic venue. It is good to be here.
For those of you visiting from the United States, let me offer a céad míle fáilte – a special welcome.
It is important for you to know there is a renewed confidence here in Ireland about the future.
As Ambassador, I have been here in Ireland for almost two and a half years. These have been hard years for our countries.
I have travelled to every county and met with officials and business leaders. I have seen the impact first-hand of difficult economic conditions.
In every county, I have also held town-hall forums that are open to the public. This, more than anything, has given me a true sense of the Irish spirit.
I will tell you, the Irish have not given up. The road they have taken has been a hard road. Difficult decisions about how to regain Ireland’s competitiveness have been taken.
Every day, we see this hard work is paying off. In economic terms, there is hope - hope for a better future.
Ireland – its people, its new government, its business leaders, everyone -- is doing everything that can possibly be done. I believe it will come sooner than some experts see.
The Irish people have shown impressive resolve. The United States is proud to stand with Ireland as it makes the economic reforms necessary to return Ireland to a path of growth.
“Why is Ireland important to the United States?” you might ask. You will hear from others the statistics and facts and figures. You will hear U.S. firms have more invested in Ireland than in China, Brazil, Indian and Russia combined.
This means that American investment alone accounts for about a quarter of Ireland’s GDP -- with the total output of U.S. companies estimated at $55 billion.
American companies employ almost 100,000 people here in Ireland.
You will also hear our trade and investment relationship is mature and important to both of our economies. Irish companies employ roughly 120,000 workers in the United States.
But none of the impressive facts and figures come as a surprise to most of you, you have seen the benefits of bilateral trade and investment first hand.
Ireland’s economic success is very important to all of us. Our shared history and cultural ties bind us together. The historic relationship between our two countries is stronger now than at any time – as the outpouring of friendship when President Obama was here made that clear.
You are also aware of the economic challenges that face the United States. With challenges come opportunities and you will hear more on this as well.
President Obama is doing a great job despite the global economic headwinds that have caused such turmoil.
As President, he has placed high priority on his National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports. For the Irish investors joining us today, you should look into the President’s “Select USA” program to encourage your investment in America. America is well worth investing in.
We want to do more to encourage this two-way exchange of business success and job growth.
As Ambassador, I want you all to know that the U.S. Embassy stands ready to advocate for your success and to support all of you .... in your business plans.
Trade, investment and innovation create jobs. Creating new jobs is what will grow an economy. You and your companies have the resources and the know-how to help both the United States and Ireland rebound to a better and brighter tomorrow.
It is this better tomorrow that we will talk about today.
In closing, I hope to have the chance to hear from you as well. I am looking forward to having you all to my home this evening for a reception after our meetings.
Thank you all for coming. Slainte.