The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, this week undertook a virtual programme of engagements with key US contacts in Washington D.C.
This ‘virtual visit’ is an opportunity to maintain relationships and engage with key contacts in the US administration, on Capitol Hill, and with the Irish-US business community, in the absence of an opportunity to travel to Washington due to Covid-19.
Over the course of two days, the Minister held discussions with US Treasury Under Secretary, Brett McIntosh; Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Chuck Grassley; and Presidential economic advisor at the White House, Kevin Hassett. The Minister held discussions with Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, which covered the Fund’s response to the global economic challenge associated with Covid-19.
The Minister participated in a business roundtable hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, where he provided an update on Ireland’s economy and highlighted key points of Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a partner for trade and location for investment.
The Programme provided Minister Donohoe with the opportunity to discuss the strong bilateral relationship between Ireland and the US, to share views on the economic impact of Covid-19 and pathways to recovery, and to discuss the dynamic two-way trade and economic relationship.
Speaking on conclusion of the Programme, the Minister stated: ‘Ireland and the US are important partners. This ‘virtual visit’ afforded me the opportunity to maintain Ireland’s relationships with key figures in the US administration, Congress and the IMF, and to build on the relationships which I have developed during my visits to Washington over recent years. This is very important as the current crisis highlights the value of relationships and cooperation with our international partners’.
“During these engagements I was able to discuss the two-way economic and trade relationship which is supporting jobs in both countries, and how we can continue to grow and strengthen this mutually beneficial relationship.
“In uncertain times, these relationships and the ongoing exchange of perspectives on international economic and trade matters will continue to make an important contribution to our economic and social progress.”
ENDS