Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met senior political and business figures in Chicago yesterday at the start of their US visit for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.

The Ministers also met Tom Wilson, chairman of investor Allstate and mayor of Chicago Richard Daley.

“Chicago-based companies, including Caterpillar and Allstate, already have a history of investment in Northern Ireland. It is clear from our meetings today that there is considerable potential to build upon that foundation,” Mr Robinson said.

Mr McGuinness said Allstate had become “a valued and important employer in Belfast, Derry and Strabane”.

Following a meeting with mayor Daley, Mr Robinson said the issues covered “could, in the future, prove to be very beneficial to Northern Ireland” while Mr McGuinness said the meeting was “indicative of the high level of engagement that we are undertaking during our visit to the US”.

“Our visit is a demonstration of our unity of purpose to promote investment, create investment and strengthen the peace process. This is our first opportunity to brief investors and political leaders here in relation to the Hillsborough Agreement, which will strengthen our institutions and we believe, greatly increase the potential for future investment,” Mr McGuinness said.

The Ministers also hosted a business reception attended by more than 200 of Chicago's top business people. Today they travel to Washington DC where they will meet President Obama and other key figures.