Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is visiting the United States this week. She aims to increase investment, trade and tourism links with Northern Ireland. The trip started in San Francisco.

Dr Archibald and Invest NI officials met US investors, business leaders and industry networks there. She will give keynote speeches at an Invest NI business leaders dinner and a gaming industry lunch with Ulster University and Studio Ulster. She opened Invest NI's new office in the city.

Dr Archibald stated the visit shows Northern Ireland's strengths as a location for US investment. She noted the US provides major inward investment. US companies including Seagate, Proofpoint, Imperva, Citi and Aflac operate in Northern Ireland.

Anne Beggs, Invest NI Chief Commercial Officer, said US firms invest in financial services, cybersecurity, technology and advanced manufacturing. She added that leading US investors continue to expand operations in the region.

Dr Archibald will travel to Los Angeles next. She will speak to US travel and media partners at a Tourism Ireland breakfast event. The focus is on Northern Ireland as a destination for American visitors.

In Los Angeles, Dr Archibald and NI Screen will meet figures from major US studios. They plan to promote Northern Ireland's screen sector.