An exciting initiative was launched in October 2003, which enables local companies to utilise a new gateway into the lucrative American market.

The launch hosted by FG Wilsons Engineering promotes trading links between Northern Ireland and the Carolinas, USA.

The Carolinas Northern Ireland Trade Association (CANITA) was officially launched by William T.McCarter, Chairman of the International Fund For Ireland. CANITA will involve a number of activities aimed at encouraging trade and development between Northern Ireland and the Carolinas, particularly joint ventures, licensing agreements and other forms of partnerships.

Speaking at the launch, which was attended by seven American companies/economic development reps, Melissa McCleod of the South Carolina Department of commerce said, “This is an important initiative which will yield benefits to both regions through an exchange of information between economic development agencies, research and promotion of trade opportunities and business matchmaking.

A number of visits, both inward and outward, have taken place and more are planned and we are already seeing tangible business partnerships emerging.”

CANITA is managed and administered by Larne’s economic development agency, LEDCOM. It is an extension of the sister-city relationship between Larne and Clover in South Carolina, set up in 1997, which has already produced a number of business related visits between the two areas.

Speaking by video link at the launch, Director of York County Economic Development Board, South Carolina, USA, Mark Farris, said; “in the global economy we value international partnerships that create opportunity for everyone involved. What started as a curious inquiry into ancestral history has blossomed into business links that will soon yield opportunities for both our regions”.

Launching the initiative, International Fund Fore Ireland Chairman, William T.McCarter, said; “We are very pleased to be able to support this latest initiative from LEDCOM. CANITA will create significant business opportunities for Northern Ireland and North/South Carolina through the development of trading links, the establishment of mutually beneficial international partnerships, the sharing of expertise and helping, in particular, smaller companies and untapped potential”.

Ken Nelson of LEDCOM has build up a close association with economic development organisations in the Carolinas during the past five years, which has helped to lay the ground work for this initiative. He comments; “CANITA is a platform to help launch international trade initiatives such as joint ventures and licensing. It is designed to be of particular help to smaller companies with growth potential”.

The growth of CANITA also involved the unveiling of a new website www.canita.org designed to provide economic and business information on both regions and promote business opportunities.

CANITA is funded by the International Fund For Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Larne Borough Council/Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme, CORE (North East District Councils), York County Economic Development Board and South Carolina Department of Commerce.