A high-powered delegation of senior business leaders from New York arrived in the North today looking at the potential for investment and joint ventures with local firms.
The four-day visit was organised by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, one of the most influential business organisations in the United States.
The group included a number of powerful venture capital groups who were planning meetings with over 40 Northern Ireland companies, mainly in the telecoms and IT sectors.
Corporation president Mr Michael Carey said there was a renewed interest in the US in the North as an investment location.
Mr Carey said: "There are a great number of opportunities for companies in New York City who might be looking to develop strategic relationships with counterparts in Northern Ireland."
He said there were opportunities for investment and trade and that their mission was to promote New York City and create jobs in the North.
"I think we can do that in an effective way by creating strategic relationships with different overseas partners and Northern Ireland has been very, very active in the growth sector in the past couple of years," Mr Carey said.
Stormont Enterprise, Trade and Investment minister Sir Reg Empey was due to meet members of the group tomorrow and they attended a seminar in Belfast with a series of local companies.
PA