Daley, Robinson applaud first meeting of Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission
Rep. Mary Jo Daley March 31, 2025 | 12:35 PM
HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley and state Sen. Devlin Robinson celebrated the inaugural meeting Tuesday of the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ireland.
The commission was established following the passage of legislation (H.B 2132) last session, which Gov. Josh Shapiro ceremonially signed into law Tuesday during a special event attended by Irish and Pennsylvania officials.
The commission, which is comprised of government, business and education leaders, will focus on enhancing trade, investment and academic exchange opportunities between Pennsylvania and Ireland. The effort aligns with Pennsylvania’s broader strategy to engage international markets and create economic opportunities for local businesses.
Daley and Robinson were named co-chairs of the commission. They discussed how they would like to establish subcommittees within the commission to help members of the commission use their expertise to advance the mission and goals.
“I am thrilled to see the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission officially begin its work,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “This commission represents a momentous step in formalizing and expanding the strong business, educational and cultural connections that already exist between Pennsylvania and Ireland. By fostering collaboration, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and innovation.”
“Seeing this bipartisan, bicameral effort come to life around that table was truly wonderful,” said Robinson, R-Allegheny. “I’m grateful to my colleagues and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Eireann Senator Mark Daly, who worked tirelessly with me to make sure this idea reached the finish line, and we could join about half of other states in this effort.”
Geraldine Byrne Nason, ambassador of Ireland to the U.S., attended the ceremonial signing and first commission meeting, emphasizing the significance of this partnership.
“I am delighted to be in Harrisburg for the ceremonial signing of the bill establishing the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission,” Nason said. “This is an opportunity to focus on strengthening and expanding trade and investment relations between Ireland and Pennsylvania, which is an important part of the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Ireland and the U.S., now worth over one trillion euro. It is also an opportunity to build on the deep ancestral bonds connecting Ireland and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where almost 15% of the population have Irish heritage.”
House Bill 2132 received strong bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. With the commission now in place, members will work on identifying key industries for collaboration, including technology, life sciences and sustainable energy.
“The Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission will be a driving force in promoting economic and cultural exchange between our two regions,” Daley said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have for years to come.”
Irish companies have nearly 400 locations in Pennsylvania and provide close to 17,000 jobs here, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Pennsylvania imports about $2.7 billion from Ireland, the leading commodities of which are pharmaceutical products, essential oils, dairy products and industrial machinery. In relation, Pennsylvania exports approximately $751 million to Ireland, with the leading commodities being pharmaceutical products, plastics, optical/medical/surgical instruments and industrial machinery, including computers.
During the meeting, David Briel, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development, discussed Pennsylvania’s current trade relationship with Ireland and how the commission could help to expand the state’s business ties with Ireland.
Briel discussed work that DCED has done to enhance Pennsylvania-Irish relations. The report can be found here. Additionally, DCED hosts a web page to explain the benefits of economic relations between Pennsylvania and Ireland. That page can be found here.