The visit, which will take in New York and Washington DC, will see Dr Paisley hold talks with a number of senior executives from prominent US companies to finalise details in advance of their attendance and participation at the Investment Conference planned for Belfast in early May.
Dr Paisley said: “The Investment Conference represents a major opportunity for Northern Ireland to secure its economic future for many years to come. As an intensive showcase, the conference aims to act as a catalyst in further developing the strong business relationships which already exist between Northern Ireland and the US.
“By coming to the US at this time I want to ensure that, in the run up to the conference, Northern Ireland is in the forefront of the minds of key business decision makers as a premier location for investment, particularly in high value, knowledge-led activities, where I believe we have all the right ingredients to offer.
“The US business community has been helpful to us over a long period. But as we move forward to build a more stable, confident and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, I want to emphasise and highlight the important role and benefits, for both countries, which further major US investment can bring in achieving this goal.”
During his time in New York Dr Paisley will also meet with Duncan Niederauer, President and Chief Operating Officer of New York Stock Exchange, before meeting with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The First Minister will then travel to Washington DC where he will hold a number of meetings to update key business and political contacts on the emerging plans for the Conference.
Notes to Editors:
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