First Minister Peter Robinson said today he expects the US government to appoint an economic representative to Northern Ireland, as well as an envoy to boost the political process.
The news comes after First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness held St Patrick’s Day talks on Tuesday with President Barack Obama in Washington.
Mr Robinson today said he expected an announcement from the White House confirming it would appoint a political envoy, as expected, but would also offer an economic adviser.
He said the move would continue the support successive US administrations have shown for the political process in Northern Ireland. But in addition, it would give vital additional support to the attempts to develop economic links between the US and Northern Ireland.
“That is the proposition of the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton,” said Mr Robinson. “I think they are expecting in a matter of days to be making an announcement.”
He added: “I think it is important from a Northern Ireland point of view - the United States is a key partner in terms of our economy.”
Mr Robinson said the US administration had, over a sustained period, worked to open up economic opportunities for Northern Ireland. “It is very important from a Northern Ireland point of view that that interest continues, whether it is in the person of an envoy or a separate person on economic issue," he said.
The said the idea of an economic advisor was first proposed by the Obama administration.