Mark Owens, Ireland's Honorary Consul for Ohio and a senior officer at Team North East Ohio and JobsOhio, visited Derry last week. The 48-year-old from Top of the Hill met with Derry Chamber and local manufacturing firms.

Owens works for JobsOhio, an economic development agency. He discussed transatlantic trade opportunities with Ohio's 12 million population. Local companies seek US market growth through low-interest loans, tax incentives, and workforce programs in Ohio.

Ohio features strong manufacturing sectors around Cleveland, including aerospace and aviation. Boeing maintains a presence there. Two NASA research centres operate in the Cleveland area for R&D. Cleveland hosts maintenance facilities for Breeze Airlines in Akron-Canton and Frontier Airlines.

Owens met Ian Luney, boss of Foyle Port. Cleveland Port lies on Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes' largest. The pair exchanged ideas to benefit both regions. Foyle Port serves as an entry point for Ohio companies importing to Europe, accessing EU and non-EU markets.

Owens aims to build educational, sporting, and cultural ties between Derry and Ohio. Magee nursing department staff visited Columbus to explore collaboration with Ohio State University on faculty exchanges and R&D.

He plans a business lunch with Derry Chamber during Derry's match against Dundalk at Oriel Park. Chris Clinton, Dundalk FC owner from Dublin, Ohio, will attend.

Before reaching Derry, Owens met directors of O&S Doors and Mallaghan in Dungannon. Both firms belong to MEGA, which promotes manufacturing in Mid Ulster. He noted their use of automation and employee development.