Minister Harris promotes Irish International Financial Services Sector on the East Coast
From 15 to 18 September Minister Simon Harris visited New York and Boston to promote stronger business links in International Financial Services.
Minister Harris began his visit to the East Coast with a busy schedule of events in New York promoting the Government's International Services Strategy, IFS2020.
Working with the Irish Consulate, IDA and Enterprise Ireland Offices in New York, Minister Harris met with senior management and IFS experts to discuss his Strategy implementation, and to canvas their views on current markets and future trends and opportunities for inward investment and for Irish companies. Consul General Barbara Jones hosted a financial services networking reception at which the Minister spoke and took Q&A. A strong focus was also placed on emerging technology platforms and innovation in financial services.
Speaking in New York, Minister Harris noted, "the US is central to further growth and job creation for Ireland's IFS sector. My focus is to emphasise our strong business and cultural links across the Atlantic and our position at the heart of the Eurozone. Continuing to secure investment and opening up new markets for Irish companies is key to a sustainable future."
Minister Harris, supported by the Irish Consulate in Boston, continued the East Coast promotion of IFS2020, with a round of networking and bilateral meetings with leading figures in Boston's financial services' sector, and with IDA client companies with a strong Irish presence.
As well as focusing on strengthening existing business links and exploring new opportunities, an emphasis is placed on opening up a more structured dialogue with the Boston business community on how to leverage these links to advance the shared goals of enhancing both Centres' profile as hubs for Fintech and financial innovation either side of the Atlantic.
Minister Harris met with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to explore shared experiences, natural synergies, and to discuss how to open up new channels to bolster Ireland and Boston's respective strengths to mutually beneficial ends.
Minister Harris also took the opportunity to update the Massachusetts' Lieutenant-Governor, Karyn Polito, on Irish economic matters, and canvas members of the Boston-Irish business communities on the Government's IFS2020 Strategy and how better to connect with our extensive diaspora active in the IFS sphere.
Minister Harris, noting his recent meetings with the New York Irish business community, commented:
“The commitment of established business leaders to give freely of their knowledge and experience to Irish companies is very impressive and something that merits wider attention in Ireland. Tapping into this amazing resource in a structured manner, such as the Bank of New York Mellon hosted (with Enterprise Ireland) Fintech start-up showcase scheduled for the end of this month, holds great potential as regards the Government objective of consolidating on our economic recovery through sustainable job creation”.