Trade issues are being discussed between Massachusetts state officials and Irish authorities during a trade summit this week.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, right, and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick visit the makeshift memorial to the Boston Marathon bombing victims in Copley Square in Boston, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Cameron is in Boston to offer his condolences and discuss lessons that can be learned from the deadly bombings. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) On Wednesday, Patrick and Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray met with the Prime Minister of Ireland Enda Kenny.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for economic development and job creation between Massachusetts and Ireland.
Patrick also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Ireland Eamon Gilmore on Wednesday and attended a Digital Health and Life Sciences Trade Summit, sponsored by the Massachusetts' Life Sciences Center.
In 2012, Ireland was the state's 14th largest export partner, with over $509 million in goods and services sent to the country. Massachusetts is also Ireland's sixth largest import partner.
Patrick is set to return to the state on Friday.