International Business Opportunities

Mid & East Antrim is a long established and proven location for international business that is working hard to foster economic, cultural and educational links with all corners of the globe.

Located on the gateway to the Northern Ireland via the Port of Larne, we are ideally situated between mainland Europe and the United States. We have a track record of attracting and retaining leading global companies, which continue to expand their footprint in the area, reflecting our globally competitive, talent-driven value proposition.

In 2019 total export sales from Mid & East Antrim was £588m. Just under half (46%) was destined for the European Union, 38% went to the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Region and 16% went to the Americas.

Strong links with China

Mid & East Antrim has a strong working relationship with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Belfast and the Chinese Embassy in London. We have worked hard to build relationships with several regions in China in the areas of economic trade, cultural exchange and education.

Our strategic objectives for the Borough of Mid and East Antrim are to:

• Increase trade and economic activity
• Grow Foreign Direct Investment
• Increase tourism
• Encourage strategic investment in infrastructure
• Establish cultural links and learn more