The new president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland has highlighted the need for industry and Government to continue to make Ireland an attractive investment location for US firms.
"Winning in an global economy, where the pace and intensity of competition is increasing at a dramatic rate, will require that we continue to build on our proven strengths," said industrialist Mr Eoin O'Driscoll.
"These include a flexible and skilled workforce, an enterprise-friendly business environment, political and economic stability, and a commitment to a transparent and a competitive taxation regime.
"We must, in parallel, increase the urgency with which we address our rising cost base and tackle the infrastructure deficit".
He said the key issues for his presidency would be cost competitiveness, infrastructure, a favourable tax regime and the regulatory burden on business.
"The cost of doing business in Ireland has risen dramatically in recent years," said Mr O'Driscoll.
"To balance this, we must encourage greater competition as well as embracing technology to improve productivity. Leadership in the use of technology can provide us with a strong competitive advantage".
Mr O'Driscoll is the founder and managing director of consultancy firm Aderra. Prior to this he held a number of senior management positions with US technology firm Lucent and was the Chairman of the Enterprise Strategy Group.
Almost 90,000 people are employed in 570 US companies in Ireland accounting for 65 per cent of all IDA supported employment.