Arizona Deepens Economic Ties with Ireland
Arizona Delegation Strengthens Trade And Economic Ties with Ireland
A delegation of more than 30 Arizona legislative, business, and economic development leaders recently concluded a four-day trade and investment mission to Ireland, strengthening partnerships across advanced technology sectors and expanding opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, workforce development, and international trade.
Arizona and Ireland share significant strengths in many of the world's fastest-growing industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, medical technology, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy. Both regions are also home to the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities on their respective continents, creating a strong platform for cooperation in next-generation technologies.
The visit builds on the creation of the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission in 2024 by Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature. The commission was established to expand bilateral trade, foster academic and research partnerships, encourage policy collaboration, and identify new economic opportunities between Arizona and Ireland.
The Arizona delegation included leaders of the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission, including Senator Frank Carroll, Senator David Gowan, Senator Brian Fernandez, Representative Tony Rivero, and Representative Justin Wilmeth. Representatives from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, and executives from Arizona's business, academic, and economic development communities also participated.
"This mission allowed us to move beyond introductions and engage directly with leaders driving Ireland's technology, research, and workforce development sectors," said Senator Frank Carroll, Chair of the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission. "Arizona and Ireland are global competitors and partners in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced industries. The relationships we are building today can translate into future investment, collaborative research opportunities, and more high-quality jobs for Arizonans."
Representative Tony Rivero emphasized the natural economic alignment between the two regions.
"Ireland is a strong trading partner for Arizona because our economies share many similarities, particularly in technology and advanced manufacturing," Rivero said. "What stood out during this visit was the genuine interest on both sides in expanding business relationships. The next step is turning those conversations into investment, new market opportunities, and lasting partnerships."
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said the mission reinforced a growing relationship that will create long-term benefits for both economies.
"Arizona and Ireland are experiencing remarkable economic momentum, and this visit strengthened partnerships that will deliver value for years to come," Watson said. "By expanding collaboration in trade, innovation, research, and talent development, we are creating new opportunities across industries that will shape our future competitiveness."
The delegation's itinerary included a briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, meetings with Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and IDA Ireland, and discussions with academic leaders at Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin focused on research collaboration and workforce development initiatives.
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of Intel Ireland's campus, which employs nearly 5,000 people and is home to Fab 34, Europe's first high-volume semiconductor fabrication facility utilizing Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Delegates noted the strong connection between Fab 34 and Intel's Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona, which is also advancing EUV-based semiconductor manufacturing, underscoring the shared leadership both regions hold in the global chip industry.
Additional engagements included visits to the Guinness Enterprise Centre, one of Europe's leading university-affiliated startup hubs, meetings with Enterprise Ireland, a roundtable hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, and a visit to Ireland's Parliament, where the Arizona delegation was formally recognized during a parliamentary session.
The growing partnership is supported by strong economic ties. Total trade between Arizona and Ireland exceeded $850 million in 2025, highlighting the increasing importance of the relationship and the potential for further growth in investment, innovation, and cross-border commerce.
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