A significant milestone in the Galway–Chicago Sister City relationship was reached yesterday (11 August 2026) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Galway Chamber of Commerce and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
The signing ceremony took place at Ireland House and was attended by the full Galway delegation. The agreement formalises years of collaboration and establishes a structured framework for business engagement, trade facilitation, and shared economic growth.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu welcomed the development, stating:
“This agreement formalises years of work and establishes a clear framework for business engagement and shared economic growth. It strengthens the bridge between Galway and Chicago and creates new opportunities for our businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators.”
The ceremony followed a morning programme featuring presentations from Notre Dame’s Grow Irish programme, IDA Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland on international partnerships, business landing platforms, and the regional economic landscape of the Midwest.
The MOU will support Galway businesses exploring opportunities in the United States, enhance collaboration between enterprise agencies, and deepen transatlantic commercial ties.