On October 23, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina, along with several state leaders, formally signed a trade agreement with Ireland. This significant event resulted in the establishment of the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission, aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two regions.
The agreement was signed by Governor McMaster, who is leading the initiative to boost economic ties with Ireland. The commission will consist of 15 members, including seven appointed by the governor and eight others designated by legislative leaders. These appointments will include representatives from the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate.
The South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission will work towards several key objectives. Its primary aims include:
Governor McMaster emphasized that this agreement opens new opportunities for South Carolina. “The creation of the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission opens new opportunities to strengthen South Carolina’s economy by building lasting relationships with a global partner,” he stated. The commission is envisioned as a way to attract new investments and create jobs, enhancing the economic landscape for South Carolinians.
Recent studies have shown that South Carolina has a notable connection to its Irish heritage. According to Pew Research Center, in 2017, 2.4% of South Carolinians identified as having Scotch-Irish ancestry, the second-highest in the country. This historical introspection points to a strong and long-standing relationship between the two regions, dating back to the influx of Irish immigrants in the early 1700s.
The economic ties between South Carolina and Ireland are already significant. Currently, more than 5,900 South Carolinians are employed by Irish companies operating in the state. Since 2010, these companies have created over 1,433 new jobs and have invested approximately $239 million in the local economy.
Frank Groome, the Consul General of Ireland, remarked on the importance of this partnership, stating, “Ireland-South Carolina relations are very strong, and the establishment of this commission is going to make them even stronger.” He emphasized that the U.S. remains one of Ireland’s most important trade partners, and the success of their business relationships is already evident in South Carolina.
The signing of the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission marks a significant step forward in international relations for South Carolina. It hopes to foster economic growth and job creation while also honoring the historical ties that connect these two regions. As both sides work together, the commission may pave the way for even more robust economic partnerships in the future.
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