A summit of business leaders and politicians from the United States, Northern Ireland and the Republic will ultimately lead to the development of an all-Ireland economy, it was claimed today.
Sinn Fein vice president Mr Pat Doherty, who chairs the Northern Ireland Assembly's Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, hailed as "hugely significant" next week's three-day conference in Washington on economic ties between the US and both parts of Ireland.
It is understood US President George Bush has been asked to deliver the opening remarks to the summit, which opens in Washington on Wednesday and will discuss developments in the information technology, biotechnology and financial services sectors.
Among those who will take part are the Tanaiste Ms Harney, US Commerce Secretary Don Evans, Northern Ireland Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey.
Other senior members of the Bush administration are also due to take part, including Health Secretary Tommy Thompson and the President's special advisor on Northern Ireland, Richard Haass.
Mr Doherty, who will travel to Washington, said today the importance of the summit which will involve around 400 people from commerce, academia and the three governments should not be underestimated.
PA