U.S. Chamber Hosts Ireland's Prime Minister for Transatlantic Trade Discussion

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hosted Ireland’s Prime Minister, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, for an event honoring the country’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.  The Taoiseach delivered the keynote address at the event, highlighting how Ireland’s presidency of the EU at this crucial point in time can help drive the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership forward.

“We are honored to host Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Chamber to address the American business community at this pivotal moment in U.S. – EU relations,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.  “We are glad to see that efforts are underway on both sides of the Atlantic to secure approvals needed to proceed with negotiation of the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership.  The business community is eager to see the formal launch of talks while Ireland still holds the presidency of the EU, and we look forward to working together to boost growth and prosperity on both sides of the pond.”

In his keynote address, the Taoiseach Mr. Kenny spoke about a Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership, saying:

“I am convinced that an ambitious, comprehensive and far-reaching agreement on trade and investment between the EU and the US will not only trigger economic growth in our respective economies, but will also send a strong signal of leadership to other economic powers.

“I believe we are firmly on track to achieve the Irish Presidency goal of getting ready to launch Trade and Investment negotiations by the end of our Presidency. I for one will do all in my power to meet this ambitious target.”

In April, Donohue will travel to Ireland to co-host with BusinessEurope a conference on the transatlantic economy.  This conference, sponsored by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, will take place directly after an informal meeting of EU trade ministers, and will allow Donohue and the other business leaders to discuss the importance of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership to promoting jobs and growth in our economies.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.