Legislation to promote closer trade ties between Ireland and Pennsylvania has been given the thumbs-up by State Senator Devlin Robinson.
The brainchild of Irish Senator Mark Daly, the trade commissions have been adopted across the US, including in Connecticut, New Jersey and Alabama. In Pennsylvania the transatlantic initiative was championed by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) who boasts deep ties with Ireland.
The bill – backed by bipartisan support – creates a powerful Ireland Trade Commission, with appointees from the Governor and State Legislature, to foster strong ties between Pennsylvania and Ireland.
The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation to establish an Ireland Trade Commission in the commonwealth.https://t.co/Sr59Fg9J5u
— Central Penn Business Journal (@CPBJ) June 26, 2024
The Republican Senator told the Echoes of Ireland radio show from Pittsburgh on Sunday past that the entire island of Ireland was covered by the new legislation.
The new Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission will move beyond economic activity to also boost educational, governmental and cultural connections across the Atlantic.
Robinson, a military veteran who deployed three times to Iraq and a native of Pittsburgh is a former Irish Echo 40 under 40 Honoree. As co-chair of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus he has been a strong advocate for the Irish American community. "Nearly 16 per cent of Pennsylvanians are of Irish descent, making this new commission a meaningful step toward fostering cross-cultural collaboration and honoring shared heritage," Sen. Robinson told the Echo.
“Through the creation of the Ireland Trade Commission, we are building a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange,” he added. “This initiative is a tribute to Pennsylvania’s deep Irish roots and a forward-looking commitment to mutually beneficial opportunities for our state and Ireland.”
Composed of appointed members with experience in Irish affairs or a vested interest in trade, the commission will meet quarterly to assess progress, develop recommendations and submit reports to the legislature and governor, ensuring transparency and alignment with Pennsylvania’s economic goals.
