Deseret News | Utah’s strong trade relationship with Ireland highlighted by visit from Irish minister of state
Photo Credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
BY CAITLIN KEITH
Telling Utah business leaders to “Let geography not be the barrier for companies,” Alan Dillon, the minister of state at Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, spoke at the World Trade Center Utah on Thursday.
The minister spoke about the strong relationship between Utah and Ireland and how that relationship can continue to grow as the two continue to invest in and trade with each other.
Jonathan Freedman, CEO of World Trade Center Utah, shared that Utah has a trade surplus with Ireland and that the country is Utah’s 15th largest trade partner.
“This is Utah’s moment to shine where we want to and to show up and be great partners,” Freedman said.
Dillon said that when he arrived in the state he was “struck by the similarities between Ireland and Utah.” These similarities include high success in life science and health care.
Dillon also emphasized why Ireland is so attractive to do business with, especially because of its young, educated and multilingual workforce. He pointed out the country’s, ambition and resilience, and its commitment to innovation, education and sustainability.
“This investment not only creates jobs but enhance the overall economic landscape,” the minister said about how working with Ireland benefits Utah.
Dillon said Ireland’s government is currently reviewing what the impact of the tariffs will be and that leaders are still unsure which sectors will be impacted. Ireland is working with EU partners to coordinate a response.
Dillon said that the EU will engage as a collective whole in relation to any response to the tariffs.
Freedman also spoke about the tariffs, saying that “it’s never been more important for Utah to work with foreign companies,” and that he wants Utah to continue to be a good partner.
He also shared that these tariffs impact real jobs for Utahns; 25% of jobs in Utah are dependent on international trade.