Missoula, Montana-Ireland relations are strengthened as both regions explore international business opportunities. Ida Ireland, the Irish government’s foreign direct investment agency, is actively working with Montana businesses to help them expand internationally and establish their European presence.
Ivan Houlihan, head of the US West at Ida Ireland, highlighted the possibility of cooperation between Montana and Ireland. “There’s a similarity in that it’s agriculture, Montana’s big industry. It’s manufacturing. It’s the same for Ireland. But we’re always monitoring different states. When it comes to states that are attractive to start-ups, Montana is very similar like that,” says Houlihan.
One of the notable connections between the two regions is the semiconductor industry, companies such as Applied Materials, which operates in Kalispell, Montana and Areland. Houlihan emphasized that while there are historical and cultural connections, business connections remain strong and optimistic. “We’ve seen a long tradition of companies. In particular, American companies have been founded in Ireland and have grown since… providing products and services throughout Europe,” says Houlihan.
Ida Ireland aims to support Montana-based businesses by providing resources to explore how Ireland can fit into their business plans and support international growth.
