Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald has embarked on a two-day visit to Berlin, Germany, aimed at strengthening and promoting economic links between Northern Ireland and the European powerhouse.

The Minister's itinerary includes a series of meetings with key business groups, designed to highlight Northern Ireland as a prime destination for investment and trade.

"As the largest economy in Europe and one of the largest globally, Germany is a high value market offering significant commercial opportunities for companies from the north," stated Dr. Archibald. "Our unique dual market access gives us a key advantage over other regions. Bilateral trade with Germany is thriving, generating more than £1.1billion in 2023, and continues to rise, as more companies seek to take advantage."

Dr. Archibald emphasised Northern Ireland's expertise in high-potential sectors like cybersecurity, FinTech, AI, life and health sciences, and advanced manufacturing, noting the potential for further growth in trade and investment. Her first day in Berlin included addressing female business leaders at a 'SHeconomy' roundtable, meetings with policy experts and business groups from the manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, and a visit to Smart City Berlin.

Peta Conn, Director of Great Britain and Europe at Invest NI, highlighted the growth opportunities for Northern Ireland companies in the German market. "The next two days will build on this work and our previous trip last year to strengthen relationships and profile the unique competitive advantage dual market access presents for local companies in Northern Ireland," Conn said.

On the second day, the Minister will visit ITB Berlin, Europe's largest international tourism trade expo, where 28 tourism providers from across Ireland are exhibiting.

"Economic links between the north and Germany are strong and continuing to grow," concluded Dr. Archibald. "This trip will build on the success we have had to date, and the work done by my predecessor, to further deepen relationships with high value contacts in Germany, in turn leading to even greater commercial opportunities in the future."