North Dakota looks into forming Ireland trade commission

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota may create a trade commission focused on Ireland.

HB 1568 is a bill being discussed in committee would create the commission, which would consist of two senators, two representatives, an individual appointed by the executive director of the state’s trade office, and the ag commissioner.

The commission would be expected to advance bilateral trade between the state and Ireland, and initiate joint actions on issues of mutual interest.

It would also promote business and academic exchanges, mutual economic support, and investment, as well as addressing any other issues that would be of mutual interest.

“They’ve got it in place in 19 other states, soon to be many more than that, and this is something that doesn’t cost us a lot. Doesn’t make us do anything we don’t want to do, and could be of pretty great potential,” said Rep. Mary Schneider (D-Fargo).

Schneider also said that it was Ireland that requested the bill. If passed, the North Dakota Ireland Trade Commission would be the first of its kind in the state.