INTERVIEWS

  • "Our labor market is flexible, and we are responsive in working with businesses. Ireland also has strong fiscal stability and a generally mild climate, with fewer extremes than many other parts of Europe. In addition, we maintain strong relationships with the U.K., the E.U. and the U.S. Overall, Ireland is well placed as a stable, open and attractive location for investment."

  • "Ireland is open to investment, and many U.S. companies choose to base operations here for good reason. As the only English-speaking E.U. member state, Ireland provides direct access to the E.U. Single Market of around 450 million people, with frictionless trade across member states."

  • "In energy, we are seeing strong U.S. interest, including in areas such as a floating storage regasification unit LNG terminal. This supports energy security by providing backup supply, not increasing gas dependence, and is consistent with our climate objectives. More broadly, Ireland acts as a bridge between the U.S. and the EU, supported by deep historical and personal ties. It is now a mature partnership, with growing Irish investment in the United States as well."

  • "At the core of multinational companies is a need for access to international markets, innovation, supply chains and talent. To achieve this, they look for trusted, proven locations and Ireland plays that role. Investors consistently tell us they know what to expect from Ireland: a stable, reliable and predictable environment. We work hard to maintain and strengthen that trust."

  • "Irish-owned firms are significant employers in the U.S., particularly in sectors such as building materials, food and technology. At the same time, the U.S. remains a vital export market for Irish companies, especially in food, drink and consumer brands."

  • "Ireland has a highly dynamic startup and early-stage scaling ecosystem, arguably second only to Silicon Valley. It is driven by a strong educational base and a culture of global ambition, where entrepreneurs are focused on testing locally but scaling internationally from the outset."

  • "For more than 40 years, Ireland has pursued a clear and stable strategy of attracting foreign direct investment, particularly from the United States. What began as a government initiative when Ireland was one of the poorest countries in the developed world evolved into the foundation of the country's economic success. The key difference is that this strategy has been supported consistently by successive governments, as well as by businesses, professional services firms and universities."

  • "Events such as SelectUSA bring Irish companies directly into the U.S. market and this year more than 50 client companies joined us. This followed closely after our St. Patrick’s Day program, which included a multi-city mission across the U.S. I was in Austin at South by Southwest and this included Minister Robert Troy, before continuing to Washington, D.C., while colleagues led missions in New York, Chicago and Miami."

  • "We are currently connecting 13 new peaking power plants that will only operate during periods of high demand. These modern plants are hydrogen-ready and in the long term could support fully low-carbon electricity production when hydrogen becomes available at scale, ideally from offshore wind."

  • "ESB is focused on continuing to deliver electricity infrastructure to underpin Ireland’s social and economic development, supporting growing demand for new housing connections, demand driven by industrial growth, including the investment promoted by the IDA and demand from the electrification of transport."

  • "We have a trusted brand, strong scale, established channels and billing relationships, which give us a strong platform to build from. The opportunity is to grow within core services while expanding into adjacent offerings that make customers’ lives simpler and more connected. Ultimately, every new product or service we develop is judged on whether it delivers that promise of simplicity, safety and intelligence for our customers."

  • "The U.S. market is particularly strong for premium products like organic salmon and we have also developed exports of mussels. We are now finalizing access for live oyster exports, which is a significant milestone, as only a limited number of EU countries can currently export live oysters to the U.S."

  • "I want Tirlán, in 10 years’ time, to remain a vibrant, innovative co-op that continues to attract young farmers, new ideas and new ways of working. Tirlán is a purpose-driven organization with a highly committed workforce. The goal is to ensure that the energy, ambition and culture we have today are at least as strong — if not stronger — in the future."

  • "Apprenticeships are central to the skills strategy at this point and the apprenticeship system in Ireland is well regarded. We had nearly 10,000 new registrations in 2025 across 87 programs in various sectors of the economy. Apprenticeship has expanded to new sectors of the economy in recent years including areas like cyber security, robotics, biopharma, paramedical training, horticulture and healthcare."

  • "There is a strong culture within Irish higher education institutions of close engagement with enterprise, which is one of the key strengths of the system. It is common for businesses to easily connect with institutions to access expertise and support and this is actively encouraged. This is reflected in funding models such as HCI, which require strong industry partnership in program design."

  • "Like many universities after COVID-19, we have reassessed what creates a strong student environment. Our investment plan focuses on both physical infrastructure and digital capability. New facilities will strengthen teaching and research and expand flexible learning. A major focus is the Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s largest research institute, where we are doubling capacity to cement Ireland's place at the heart of Europe's semiconductor and deep-tech future."

  • "What makes TUS distinctive is our strong industry focus and high employability outcomes, delivered through close industry links and work-based learning, including extended placements in the third year. We also offer smaller class sizes, where lecturers know students personally and we are highly rated for staff–student interaction. Students learn in a diverse international environment across classrooms, labs and workshops."

  • "Galway is highly attractive to academics, students and leaders alike. It is a beautiful city, surrounded by the landscapes of Connemara, Clare and the Burren, all easily accessible. Our research pillars are broad enough to include most of our research-active staff, which helps attract high-performing academics while also retaining strong internal talent."

  • "The pedigree and longevity of Trinity speak for themselves to a certain extent. You come to a place where education has been taking place for centuries. The United States is celebrating 250 years since independence and Trinity is more than 430 years old, so there is a deep sense of history here and people do feel that when they arrive. Our campus is very distinctive and sits in the center of Dublin."

  • "Overall, the university has a strong outward-looking, international identity that is now central to its experience. Any university as a “house of intellect” needs diversity. The greater the diversity, the richer the learning experience becomes. International collaboration is therefore essential. It benefits not only visiting students but also local students, who gain from engaging with peers from different countries and perspectives."

  • "About a third of all potential visitors are now using artificial intelligence to build their travel itineraries. However, the paradox is that while tourism is very digital before and after travel, when actually on vacation, visitors are looking for time away from a screen, time to enjoy real life experiences, the local welcome, the authenticity and time in nature that Ireland does so well."

  • "As demand grows, we need to invest in new stations, depots and upgraded facilities. This includes improving accessibility, modernizing buildings and adapting infrastructure to meet climate requirements, alongside upgrading the fleet. All of this requires sustained funding and development, but the goal remains the same: to improve the customer experience and keep customers at the center of everything we do."

  • "Between 2021 and 2024, we invested €120 million in the industry, supporting more than 115 feature films, over 60 TV series and more than 100 short films. We are very filmmaker-led, with a strong emphasis on talent development. Alongside project funding, we support emerging writers and directors through programs such as Spotlight and The Voice."

  • "Sint Maarten is unlike any other place in the Caribbean. We are one island, two nations — half French, half Dutch — but fully united in spirit. Sint Maarten offers visitors an unmatched variety of experiences in a compact space."

  • "We are redefining luxury hospitality in Sint Maarten, focusing on boutique hotels and upscale tourism. In addition to Planet Hollywood we have a few boutique hotels and 5-star hotels slated to break ground in 2026. We are upgrading infrastructure and targeting high-end travelers, maintaining U.S. and Canadian markets while increasing focus on South America, Europe, Australia and possibly Africa. "

  • "Regional collaboration is essential to the future of Caribbean tourism. No island operates in isolation and increasingly the region must think in terms of connectivity, shared opportunity and mutual resilience. Sint Maarten has long played a strategic role as a hub within the northeastern Caribbean and we see strong value in deepening partnerships with neighboring destinations."

  • "Our strategy is clear: reach a maximum of 3,500 rooms while maintaining a high-end, boutique positioning. To support this, we have put incentives in place to attract investment, with a strong focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism. Rather than building from scratch, we prioritize reviving a limited number of existing properties."

  • "We welcome all ideas, business initiatives and partnerships with private investors. I am currently in discussions with two hotel groups on plans to develop new hotel projects in Saint-Martin. This is very important given our high unemployment rate. Investment in the hotel sector will create jobs, reduce unemployment and make the island more attractive to visitors and foreign investors."

  • "For Sint Maarten and Winair, the U.S. market is crucial—without it, we wouldn’t survive. We currently rely heavily on the East Coast, but there is potential to grow markets like California. More passengers mean more revenue, which allows us to invest in aircraft, expand routes and develop infrastructure."

  • "Over the past three years, we consistently exceeded our budget. In 2023, we closed 2% above projections. In 2024, after major investments and the post-pandemic rebound, we grew 34% instead of the 10% we forecasted. In 2025, we are already 3% above our 7% growth projection and with strong results in November and December, we expect to finish around 12–13%, well above budget. One of the keys to this success is our focus on exposure and distribution. "

  • "Even though it is an autonomous territory, Saint-Martin remains part of the French Republic. Over the years, France has attracted significant investment from American companies and the same advantages apply here. In terms of security, transparency and guarantees, Saint-Martin benefits from a banking system and regulatory framework that meet international standards."

  • "The U.S. market is vital to INTERMAR, providing most of our inbound cargo and consolidation. We are enhancing partnerships with U.S. carriers and forwarders, boosting digital visibility and expanding 3PL and hub capabilities to make Sint Maarten a stronger gateway for U.S.–Caribbean trade."

  • "Unlike all-inclusive resorts, we don’t aim to retain our guests at the hotel, but rather we want to encourage them to explore the island. The goal is not only to promote the Grand Case Beach Club, but also Grand Case and Saint Martin as a whole, on both sides of the island. Management wants visitors to explore, rent a car, or participate in island tours to discover the region. The hotel also actively involves local businesses wherever possible."

  • "Nigeria possesses enormous advantages: a large and youthful population, abundant natural resources, strategic geographic positioning, an expanding digital economy, and a dynamic private sector. Our task is to continue creating an environment where these strengths can thrive."

  • "With pipelines now reaching our coast, whether for natural gas liquids like propane, LNG or oil, we have the ability to move energy by ship into California. That makes us a secure supplier for everything from gasoline and diesel to aviation fuel, natural gas for home heating and propane for other uses. That is another way we can contribute to energy security for the California market."

  • "The reason people should look at Alberta is because it is welcoming, safe, and beautiful, with a government focused on growth and creating experiences you cannot find anywhere else in the world."

  • "California, in particular, is a major market for Alberta forest products. In 2025 alone, Alberta supplied 273 million square feet of oriented strand board to California for housing, schools and community construction. Housing affordability starts with housing availability and housing availability depends on reliable access to quality building materials. Alberta's forest products help support the homes, schools and communities that Californians rely on every day."

  • “With 240 million people and one of the world’s youngest populations, Pakistan offers scale, talent and long-term growth for forward-looking investors.”

  • “By 2026, Timor-Leste’s economy is set to grow at least 5%, fueled by public investment and rising foreign interest.”

  • “Brunei is no longer just an oil and gas economy—high-value sectors like ICT, services, food, and tourism are scaling fast, opening doors for investors ready to join our growth story.”

  • “If you visit Sint Maarten, you will fall in love with the island; with Dutch and U.S. treaties, it is especially easy for American investors to conduct business here.”