STRENUOUS efforts will continue to be made by the new Clinton administration to encourage American firms to invest in Northern Ireland, according to an official from the US Department of Commerce.
Ms Virginia Manuel is on the staff of the assistant commerce secretary, Mr William Ginsberg, who is responsible for the administration's commercial strategy on Northern Ireland.
Mr Ginsberg is expected to remain in place in spite of the likely departure of his boss, commerce secretary, Mr Mickey Kantor. Ms Manuel said that Mr Gfnsberg would continue in his role and that the administration's interest in Northern Ireland was likely to grow.
"It continues to be an extremely high priority," she said. "Our feeling is that it's even more important, given the political situation, that we continue to underpin the peace process.
She said that while there were no plans for any large scale economic conferences along the lines of those held in Washington and Pittsburgh, the administration would continue to develop trade links with Northern Ireland.
"There's as much opportunity with partnership possibilities and strategic alliances between the US and Northern Ireland, as there is with investment," Ms Manuel said.
"US companies will continue to seek inward in vestment opportunities and we'll continue to bolster community initiatives in the region."
US owned companies currently employ more than 14,000 people in Northern Ireland and the Clinton administration has said that it will continue its twin track approach of promoting peace and prosperity, in spite of the failure of the IRA to renew its ceasefire.
