Cork Chamber discusses international trade developments with U.S. Ambassador

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, met with U.S. Ambassador Edward S. Walsh today to discuss priorities for Cork’s business community in the context of the current international trading environment.

Today’s meeting marked the first formal engagement between the newly appointed Ambassador and Cork Chamber, with many key sectors of Cork’s economy represented at the meeting, including pharmaceuticals, tech, tourism, agrifood and financial services.

Rob Horgan, Cork Chamber President, said, “The economic partnership between the Cork region and the United States brings immense value and economic benefits for both sides, supporting transatlantic trade for firms of all sizes and employment here in Cork and in the US.”

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, added, “The Cork region and the US benefit from a long-established and mutually beneficial trading relationship. Recent moves towards the imposition of tariffs and other restrictions on trade are a significant cause for concern for many in the business community.

“We have consistently engaged with the Irish government and EU stakeholders to underline the importance of a predictable, stable international trading environment. Today’s meeting represented an important opportunity to reiterate this message and discuss concerns directly with the U.S. Ambassador, emphasising the importance of cooperation in trade matters for business on both sides of the Atlantic."