Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs is to launch a blitz on the US to reinforce diplomatic relations and trade ties, Extra.ie can reveal.
This follows the decision by the Government to bury the controversial Occupied Territories Bill, with the specific aim of calming the concerns of US investors and the new Donald Trump administration.
Nine Government Ministers are to be sent to the US for trade missions as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day round of visits abroad.
Unusually, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris will travel to the East Coast of the United States, at the same time as the Taoiseach.
Sources
Cabinet sources have also told the Irish Mail on Sunday that the Tánaiste will this week bring a memo to Cabinet that announces the establishment of a new trade forum, which will focus on engagement with key stakeholders on the emerging trade developments and opportunities.
This will include key stakeholders such as IBEC, American Chamber, Exporters Association, ISME, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and key embassy officials.
Significant trade functions headed by an assistant secretary will move to DFA from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Tánaiste has already met with Irish diplomats in the US focused on targeting decision-makers in the Trump administration.
He has also been briefed on the work underway to target key figures in the Trump administration who will make Ireland’s case.
The Tánaiste will bring further proposals to Government in the coming weeks with a trade programme for ministers over the St. Patrick’s period.
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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