Around 20 companies are US bound next week on a trade mission with Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

Wrightbus, Randox Laboratories, Almac and Dale Farm are among the big names travelling to Washington DC and New York.

Representatives from the University of Ulster and Queen’s University are also joining the mission to promote tourism and trade opportunities in the province.

The minister said: “This trade mission provides a real opportunity for the Northern Ireland business community to present its wide array of business innovation, skills and investment opportunities to partners and investors in Washington DC and New York.

“Northern Ireland has a highly skilled workforce that has already attracted world-renowned US corporations, such as Seagate, NYSE, Liberty Mutual, Allstate and Citi.

“I want Northern Ireland to build on these successes and grow our economy by focusing on technology and the delivery of high-value jobs that will also contribute to the success of companies from the United States.”

Mrs Foster said over 700 foreign investors had already located in Northern Ireland, attracted by its flexible and open economy. “We want to showcase what Northern Ireland currently offers in hi-tech expertise, industrial ingenuity and a great lifestyle, making it one of the most attractive inward investment locations in Europe.”

She thanked Mr Kelly for his support as US economic envoy.

Mr Kelly said the trade mission was an “excellent opportunity” for companies to build new trading links. “I look forward to meeting with members of the trade mission and working to support them in their efforts.”

He said the mission coincided with a whistle-stop tour by Mr Kelly and the Northern Ireland administration of Chicago, Washington and New York to showcase the province’s strengths as a location for transatlantic trade and inward investment.