The president of the US Chamber of Commerce has encouraged the political parties in Northern Ireland to "take the next step" in the peace process to assure potential investors.
Mr Tom Donohue, head of the world's largest business federation, representing three million companies, was speaking in Belfast yesterday after meeting political and business leaders.
"I think the future of Northern Ireland in the global economy system is very positive," he said.
"They have all the tools but they need to take the next step to assure the business community around the world that stability is going to be the rule."
Mr Donohue said a large event to bring Irish and American business people together in late spring was currently being planned.
Commenting on Mr Donohue's visit, the North's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, said Northern Ireland offered US companies a valuable resource of smart and technology-friendly young people.
"I believe there's much we can learn from the US about fostering an enterprise culture which will assist progressive and creative companies with a global focus," said Sir Reg.
