Lawmakers consider creating North Dakota–Ireland trade commission to boost ties with EU gateway

Representative Mary Schneider told the Senate Industry and Business Committee that House Bill 1568 would create a North Dakota–Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade, academic and cultural exchanges and to give the state a formal channel to engage with Ireland and, by extension, the European Union.

Schneider, a sponsor and co‑chair of the state’s American Irish Legislative Caucus, said the commission would include two legislative appointees from each chamber, the executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office, one private‑sector member with international trade experience, and the agriculture commissioner or designee. “This would be our state's first trade commission,” Schneider said, and she framed Ireland as a logical pilot partner because of cultural ties and Ireland’s role as an English‑speaking gateway to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Supporters included Senator Kathy Hogan and agricultural staff who highlighted Ireland’s prominent agricultural and technology sectors and the potential for academic exchanges and export relationships. John Schneider, director of business marketing and information for the agriculture commissioner, told the committee that Irish interest in North Dakota products and know‑how could benefit producers.

An online witness identified as Mark Daly, representing Irish interests, described existing state‑level Ireland trade commissions in other U.S. states and said such a commission opens direct channels to European decision‑makers and encourages reciprocal visits by parliamentary and sectoral delegations. ‘‘This commission is a basis for building relationships,’’ the witness said, noting examples of existing academic and business links in other states.

Drew Combs, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office, gave neutral testimony and disclosed a personal business interest in Northern Ireland. Combs described ongoing trade‑office efforts to use Ireland and Northern Ireland as a gateway to the EU market, including discussions about containerized freight routes and invitations from the EU delegation to host a North Dakota day. He said Ireland’s time zone and corporate presence make it a useful base for companies seeking a European foothold.

Committee members asked about fiscal and governance issues, including appointment language and whether the bill would create a new standing commission during a period when lawmakers are reviewing other commissions. Schneider said anticipated costs were minimal — primarily standard travel reimbursements for commissioners — and supporters said the commission could generate new economic and academic opportunities. The Trade Office asked the committee to note the director’s neutral stance and the discloses of a private interest.

No formal committee action was taken at the hearing; a senator indicated he had requested a draft amendment to change the appointment language to align with other states’ commission structures.