01/03/2004

Mayor to lead Derry delegation to US

A Derry delegation, led by the Mayor, Councillor Shaun Gallagher, will travel to the United States this week to develop partnership links with key agencies and raise the profile of the North West region as a location for investment and trade development.

The delegation will visit Boston, Seattle and San Jose during the 10-day visit beginning on March 3.

During their visit to Boston, the delegation will attend the 10th Annual International Networking evening and business forum, which attracts up to 500 companies in international business. The Mayor will also meet with the city's Mayor Menino and with Congressman Stephen Lynch, and other representatives from the commercial sector.

While in Seattle, the delegation will visit the World Trade Centre along with representatives from the Washington Software Association and Economic Development Corporation. They will also meet with representatives of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

In San Jose, the group will meet with representatives from Seagate, and the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Software Business Cluster and Environmental Business Cluster. They will also attend a breakfast seminar in conjunction with Dublin City Council and the Spirit of Ireland Dinner.

The Mayor said: "The purpose of the visit is to build upon civic links between Derry and the US cities and to develop new commercial, educational and business links. This will assist in raising the overall profile of the city and north west region and support Invest NI's overseas efforts to secure investment for the North West. We will be seeking partnerships and looking to build on the investment record we have with America."

The Mayor said delegates would be reiterating the message that Derry and the North West region is a good place to do business.

"The City offers a unique position as a location for investment and trade development, and recent reports highlight the City as one of the most competitive places in the UK for research and development. We are confident that this trip will assist us in our efforts to rebuild business links and establish new partnerships and further raise the profile of the city and region," he concluded.

(MB)

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