Mike Burke Authors Article on U.S.-Ireland Trade and Investment Partnership for Ireland INC US 250 Index 2024

Mike Burke, co-chair of AGG’s International practice, leader of the Island of Ireland practice, and member of Ireland INC, contributed an article for the Ireland INC US 250 Index 2024, a report comprising 250 of the fastest growing Irish companies investing and operating in the U.S.

“On October 7, 1924, Irish Ambassador Timothy Smiddy presented his credentials to U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, formally establishing diplomatic relations between two nations long connected by emigration,” Mike said. “A century later, it would have been hard to predict the depth of the trade and investment partnership that has since developed between the United States and Ireland.”

Mike highlights that the ongoing integration of advanced technologies will be one of the most significant drivers of this partnership. “Ireland is poised to further strengthen its position as a key player in the global tech supply chain,” he said. “Opportunities for collaboration in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and cybersecurity are vast. Both economies stand to benefit from breakthroughs in these areas.”

Mike also points to the continued success of the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, with both countries prioritizing research and development. “Ireland’s infrastructure for clinical trials and pharmaceutical manufacturing makes it an ideal partner for U.S. companies looking to expand their presence in Europe and beyond,” he said.

As the European Union evolves, Mike emphasizes Ireland’s growing role as a U.S. gateway to Europe. “Both nations will need to collaborate closely to navigate potential trade tensions with other global powers and to secure critical supply chains, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals,” Mike explained.

Mike stresses the importance of increasing regulatory alignment between the U.S. and Ireland, especially in areas like data privacy, financial services, and environmental standards. “Harmonized legal frameworks will facilitate smoother trade and investment between the two nations,” he said.

As we mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland, Mike concludes that sustainability will be a central focus of U.S.-Ireland trade moving forward. “Ireland’s leadership in wind energy and other renewable resources positions it as a key partner for the U.S. in the transition to a green economy,” he said.

To read the full article, please click here.