Legislation signed into law Oct. 29 by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will establish a Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission to help bolster the state’s economy and overseas trade relations.
Enacted from House Bill 2132 — sponsored in March by State Reps. Mary Jo Daley (D-148) and Timothy O’Neal (R-48) — the new law (Act 116 of 2024) tasks the commission with advancing bilateral trade and investment between Pennsylvania and Ireland and initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to Pennsylvania and Ireland.
Additionally, the new commission will be required to promote business and academic exchanges between Pennsylvania and Ireland, encourage mutual economic support between them, and encourage mutual investment in both of their infrastructures.
The new law marks major strides for the state’s international relations, according to Pennsylvania Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), who championed the commission in the identical Senate Bill 1121.
“Through the creation of the Ireland Trade Commission, we are building a platform for economic growth and cultural exchange,” said Robinson, co-chair of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. “This initiative is a tribute to Pennsylvania’s deep Irish roots and a forward-looking commitment to mutually beneficial opportunities for our state and Ireland.”
Nearly 16 percent of Pennsylvanians are of Irish descent, he said, making the new commission a meaningful step toward fostering cross-cultural collaboration and honoring shared heritage.
Specifically, the new trade commission will enhance Pennsylvania-Ireland relations by advancing trade, investment, and collaboration in both business and academic sectors, and through active bilateral engagement, will facilitate economic exchanges, foster joint policy initiatives, and promote investment partnerships that benefit both regions, according to Robinson’s office.
Composed of appointed members with experience in Irish affairs or having a vested interest in trade, the commission will meet quarterly to assess progress, develop recommendations, and submit reports to the legislature and governor, ensuring transparency and alignment with Pennsylvania’s economic goals.