US-NI strengthen cyber security commitment in Baltimore

The Department for the Economy and the State of Maryland Departments of Commerce and Labor have formalised their commitment to the growth of the cyber security sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Baltimore.

Representatives from both Governments took part in the signing of this exciting venture signalling a new partnership aimed at capitalising on the opportunities cyber security offers both economies. 

Commenting on the signing Permanent Secretary for the Department for the Economy Noel Lavery said; “This memorandum furthers our relationship with the Government of Maryland, helping us to promote economic cooperation and investment and helps to address the important issue of a global skills shortage within the sector.

“Northern Ireland is the number one international location for US cyber security development projects and this investment has helped to foster an entrepreneurial movement in the local digital industry. Half of all our cyber security companies in Northern Ireland are now home-grown and making strides in the international market. Partnerships such as these help to sustain growth both within the sector and promote development of next generation technologies."

The signing of the memorandum took place alongside the visit of two UK cyber trade missions – one led by Invest Northern Ireland and the other by the London Office for Rapid Cybersecurity Advancement. 

Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz added:  “Maryland and Northern Ireland are both recognised as world leading cyber security hubs, and this collaboration will further expand the global reach of our respective companies, and enable both Maryland and Northern Ireland to share best practices, and boost trade and investment.”

Signing the document on behalf of the Department was Dr Andrew McCormick from the Executive Office who added; “The UK and the US are both very much at the forefront of online security and it is important we work together not only for the mutual benefit of our economies but also to protect ourselves against cyber-attacks and ensure the public’s data is stored, managed and communicated in a safe and acceptable manner.”

“Maryland’s innovative workforce development programmes are providing cyber security companies with a pipeline of talented workers to keep pace with the growing demands of the global industry,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson. “We are excited to exchange best practices with Northern Ireland to continue building a strong cyber workforce that allows our companies to compete and our citizens to thrive.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The signing of memorandum took place at on Thursday 24^th at the Columbus Centre, Baltimore at an event hosted by the Department for the Economy and Invest Northern Ireland.
2. Pictured at the signing are left to right Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson,Dr Andrew McCormick The Executive Office and Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz
3. Follow us on Twitter @Economy_NI 
4. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604 or email pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110

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