The US Ambassador to Ireland says it's important to grow two-way tourism between Waterford and America.
Claire Cronin was the guest of honour at Friday night's annual Waterford Chamber dinner.
The event was resuming after a three-year hiatus, due to the Covid pandemic.
A Massachusetts native, Ambassador Cronin was selected as US President Joe Biden's representative in Ireland in May of 2021.
US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin addressing @waterfordcc annual dinner in the @TowerHotel this evening. @USAmbIreland pic.twitter.com/fr6uibrfxT
— WLR (@wlrfm) November 4, 2022
The Chamber dinner marked her second visit to Waterford, as she also briefly stopped here earlier in the year when she visited Waterford Crystal.
"Waterford is a county of stunning beauty with a proud sporting culture," she told those gathered.
Speaking about the business links between Ireland and the US, the Ambassador outlined how Ireland as a nation is in fact "punching above its weight."
"Ireland is the ninth largest foreign direct investor in the United States," she said.
"It's an extraordinary fact when you think about it - a country of five million people."
RelateCare, who were the main sponsors of the dinner, were also singled out for their business operations in the US, with the Ambassador declaring that they are a "remarkable example of how a small Irish company... is having a positive impact by providing services to healthcare providers across the United States."
Until August just gone, Ireland's Ambassador to the US was Waterford's own Dan Mulhall.
"My friend, Dan Mulhall, speaks frequently of the warm welcome the Irish receive across the United States," Ambassador Cronin said.
"The same can be said for Americans here in Ireland. We share a unique bond.
"Although we face a time of global uncertainty, the outlook for US-Irish relationships is strong.
"It's important we look to the future to promote two-way tourism and provide jobs on both sides of the Atlantic."
It's great to be back at @TowerHotel for the Chamber Presidents Annual Dinner Sponsored by @RelateCare and @remax #TeamFogarty pic.twitter.com/YjrggbRyVe
— Waterford Chamber (@waterfordcc) November 4, 2022
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