PHOENIX, AZ (September 23, 2026) – A delegation of more than 30 legislative, business, and economic development leaders from Arizona recently completed a 4-day economic delegation to Ireland, advancing partnerships across high‑tech industries and expanding collaboration in research, innovation, and workforce development. 

 

Arizona and Ireland share extensive industry alignment in sectors including semiconductors, medical technology, AI, quantum, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and more. Both regions also host their continent’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities, giving them a unique, shared foundation for global leadership in next‑generation technologies. 

 

In 2024, the Arizona Legislature and Governor Hobbs created the Arizona‑Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade, strengthen academic and research collaborations, advance policy exchange, and encourage new economic opportunities between the two regions. 

 

Members of the delegation included Arizona‑Ireland Trade Commission leaders Senator Frank Carroll, Senator David Gowan, Senator Brian Fernandez, Representative Tony Rivero, and Representative Justin Wilmeth; representatives from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry; the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations; and leaders from Arizona business, academia, and economic development organizations. 

 

“This mission allowed us to move beyond introductions and have serious conversations with the people leading Ireland’s technology, research, and workforce sectors,” said Senator Frank Carroll, Chair of the Arizona-Ireland Trade Commission. “Arizona and Ireland are both competing at the highest level in semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced industries. The relationships we’re building can lead to new investment, stronger research partnerships, and more high-paying jobs for Arizonans.” 

 

“Ireland makes a lot of sense as a trading partner for Arizona. We have a lot in common economically, especially in technology and advanced manufacturing,” said Representative Tony Rivero. “What stood out to me on this trip was how much interest there is on both sides in doing more business together. We had some very good conversations while we were there. Now we need to follow through, bring new investment to Arizona, and open more doors in Ireland for Arizona businesses.” 

 

“Arizona and Ireland share incredible economic momentum, and this mission strengthened partnerships that will benefit both regions for years to come,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Through expanded collaboration in trade, research, talent development, and innovation, we’re building new pathways for growth across industries that matter most to our future. I want to thank Senator Frank Carroll, Senator David Gowan, Senator Brian Fernandez, Representative Tony Rivero, Representative Justin Wilmeth, and all of our partners for their leadership and commitment to advancing this important relationship.” 

 

The delegation’s visit began with a briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, followed by discussions with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and IDA Ireland. The group met with academic leaders at Dublin City University and Trinity University to explore expanded research and workforce development partnerships. 

 

The delegation also visited Intel Ireland. The campus, which houses nearly 5,000 workers, is home to Intel’s Fab 34, Europe’s first high-volume chipmaking fab to utilize Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology. Intel’s Fab 52 in Chandler, Arizona, the company’s first U.S. fab to manufacture Intel 18A using EUV lithography, reinforces the shared semiconductor leadership of both regions. 

 

Additional stops included the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), one of Europe’s premier university‑affiliated startup hubs; a meeting with Enterprise Ireland; a roundtable discussion hosted by The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland; and a visit to the Irish Parliament in Dublin, where the delegation was formally recognized from the floor during a parliamentary session.

Total trade between Arizona and Ireland exceeded $850 million in 2025. 

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.