Exports a priority on Cowen's US trip

Irish exports will be the focus of Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s trade mission in New York today.

Mr Cowen, who is leading some 100 exporters and their US counterparts, will attend an Enterprise Ireland event in Manhattan where he is expected to announce contracts worth $150m between US and Irish companies.

Later in the day, at a US-Ireland Council event hosted by Tourism Ireland, he will brief business leaders on the Government’s strategy to tackle the challenges of a contracting global economy and to encourage further investment into Ireland.

He will place a particular emphasis on promotion of Irish tourism in the valuable US market.

The Taoiseach said the major trade mission to the US reflects the scope and talent of Irish indigenous companies across a range of industrial and educational sectors.

“I am determined that Irish companies will be given every support to grow their businesses at home and here in the United States,” said Mr Cowen.

“Ireland is now the 10th largest investor in the United States, showing that overseas investment and job creation is now very much a two way flow.”

Tonight the Taoiseach will speak at the annual American Ireland Fund St Patrick’s Day celebration in Washington, which is expected to be attended by leading figures in Washington including Vice President Joe Biden.

And on Tuesday Mr Cowen will meet President Barack Obama at the White House and present him with the traditional bowl of shamrocks.

This will be the first time St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated at the White House since both President Obama and the Taoiseach took office.

The First and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, will join Mr Cowen in the United States to show that the North and South stand united in support of the peace process.

“The visit will reinforce the Government’s message that Ireland has a clear strategy to deal with the impact of the global economic crisis,” added a government spokesman.

While in New York the Taoiseach also launched a major review of Ireland-US relations entitled Ireland and America: Challenges and Opportunities in a New Context.

Mr Cowen said it was the first significant review of diplomatic relations with the United States since the 1930s and could re-energise and renew the relationship.

Key objectives in the report include new possibilities for young people to work and live in the United States on a renewable two-year working visa and a strong partnership with the Irish American community and with US authorities in caring for the ’forgotten Irish’.

A fast-track naturalisation regime for those with Irish great-grandparents who have studied in Ireland, annual arrangements to commemorate the Famine in the US, and the expansion of Ireland’s consular network are also earmarked.

“We are undertaking a large number of new initiatives across the full breadth of our relationship,” said Mr Cowen.

“This will re-energise and ultimately transform how Ireland does her business in America. It is a vital part of our country’s future prosperity.”