FILE — Republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Ayotte, who faces Democrat Joyce Craig in the November 2024 election, answers a question during a visit to a local concrete coating business, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

CONCORD, N.H. — Friday, N.H. Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Irish Consul General Sighle FitzGerald reiterated the value of their strong economic and cultural ties during a meeting of the New Hampshire-Ireland Trade Council.

The trade council’s mission is advancing trade and investment and promoting business and academic exchanges.

“I was glad to meet Consul General FitzGerald today and address members of the New Hampshire-Ireland Trade Council as we work to strengthen our growing economic ties,” said Governor Ayotte. “New Hampshire and Ireland also share a strong cultural bond, as many Granite Staters can trace their heritage back to Ireland. I look forward to growing our trade relationship, deepening our cultural ties, and bringing even more economic opportunity to our state.”

Consul General FitzGerald briefed the trade council on activities and initiatives of the consulate. The Consul General said traveling north from Boston, past exits for Derry and Londonderry that signify historic ties to Ireland, shows there are opportunities for “creating synergies” across academia, manufacturing, and tourism.

“There’s so much potential here to develop those relationships and we’d love to increase those kinds of connections,” Consul General FitzGerald said. “We very much look forward to working with the council.”

The meetings continue to build the state’s relationship with the Irish government to advance commercial investment that kicked off with a September trade mission to Ireland led by former Governor Chris Sununu and Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell.

“Ireland’s pro-growth approach to economic development matches New Hampshire’s exceptionally well,” said Commissioner Caswell . “It is becoming a strong gateway for New Hampshire companies for growth opportunities and also as the only English-speaking nation within the European Union.”

Ireland is New Hampshire’s 12th largest trading partner and as of November, exports were valued at $150 million, of which $110 million were pharmaceuticals. Imports were at $187 million, including plastic and plastic sheeting, electrical machinery, wood and wood articles, and vehicles.