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She was in Belfast for trade talks with Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey.

She said later: “Companies across the globe will not stand still in their quest to seek out profitable investments, and Northern Ireland must therefore continue to inform decision makers that this region remains an excellent proposition for US companies.”

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While these are, of course, exceptionally challenging times for Northern Ireland and indeed right across the globe, the US continues to be a key trade and investment partner for us

Arlene Foster

Enterprise Minister

A focus of her attention was a newly-formed working group set up to allow US business leaders to capitalise on the “skills, education and work ethic" of the province’s workforce.

In underscoring her desire to support the peace process through economic co-operation, she cited growing international investments in Northern Ireland, including £4.4 million by US healthcare communications provider Navinet.

Mrs Clinton met the working group, which has been brought together by Declan Kelly, the US economic envoy to the province, during a visit to Queen’s University.

She said: “Declan Kelly has wasted no time in getting to work on encouraging trade and investment links with the US.

“While these are, of course, exceptionally challenging times for Northern Ireland and indeed right across the globe, the US continues to be a key trade and investment partner for us,” noted Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster.

And noting that it is not a one-way street, Mrs Clinton said: "We often talk about investment in Northern Ireland, but we have also got thousands of jobs created back in the States because of Northern Ireland investment.”

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