Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today hailed Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity industry as a world leader, providing world-class products and services, and said it offers significant benefits to potential investors.
The Secretary of the Economy pictured with (L-R) Signe Pringle, Under Secretary of Commerce and Tiffany Robinson, Secretary of Labor in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Minister was speaking during a visit to Maryland as part of his US trade visit where he is promoting Northern Ireland’s key assets to investors and business leaders. He met with representatives from the Department of Commerce and the State Department of Labor to strengthen ties under the joint cybersecurity memorandum of understanding.
Maryland is home to some of the United States’ major security agencies. In October 2019, the Department of Economy and Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor of the State of Maryland jointly signed a three-year memorandum of understanding. The objective of the MoU is to take advantage of the opportunities offered by cybersecurity to both economies.
Commenting on the growing importance of the cybersecurity sector in Northern Ireland, the Minister said:
“Northern Ireland has a global reputation for cybersecurity excellence with specialist academic research centres, innovative start-ups offering global cybersecurity solutions and an impressive group of international cybersecurity investors. That’s why we are the premier international investment location for US cybersecurity companies, with Nisos and Agio being some of the US companies that have recently chosen to invest with us.
The Minister continued:
“I was delighted to be here today to renew our Cyber Security Memorandum of Understanding with Maryland. The MoU provides an excellent opportunity for Northern Ireland and Maryland to support each other by sharing knowledge and best practices. Nurturing relationships and attracting more high-value foreign investment is a priority in my 10X economic vision. MOUs can play an important role in helping to support this vision, which will benefit our economy and our people.
Also present at the cybersecurity MOU meeting was Invest Northern Ireland’s Executive Director of International Affairs, Steve Harper. He said:
“The growing importance of the cybersecurity sector in Northern Ireland cannot be underestimated. This Memorandum of Understanding continues to pave the way for Northern Ireland and the United States to work closely together through enhanced research, industry collaboration and the development of new businesses. We look forward to continuing to support the growth of our cybersecurity industry and helping businesses in Northern Ireland benefit from this MoU. »
The minister also traveled to Washington where he was due to hold a number of meetings, including one with US government energy officials to discuss opportunities around hydrogen. He was then due to attend the Ireland Fund’s 30th National Gala Dinner to engage with influential business leaders and corporate America.
Notes to Editors:
- Caption: Economy Secretary Gordon Lyons pictured with (L-R) Signe Pringle, Under Secretary of Commerce and Tiffany Robinson, Secretary of Labor in Baltimore, Maryland.
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