Speaking via a video message to the investment conference in Belfast, Mr Bush said it was clear the Province was "open to foreign investment".

The US president said peace and devolution was giving people new opportunity to prosper.

"Americans hADVERTISEMENTave recognised the expanding opportunities in Northern Ireland. More than 160 US investors now own businesses in your region, and last year, 130,000 Americans visited your beautiful land," he said.

"The United States will continue to support the people of Northern Ireland as you take charge of your future, and we share with you the firm belief that even greater opportunities for co-operation lie ahead," added Mr Bush.

European Union president Jose Manuel Barroso, also speaking to delegates by video, believes Northern Ireland can build on its well educated workforce.

"I am sure that foreign investors already established in Northern Ireland will soon be joined by more, and then Northern Ireland will take its place on the map as a region embedded in a broader network in a new Europe which is the foundation stone for our future prosperity," he said.

The approval by the two political figures came as the New York Stock Exchange announced it was expanding local financial software company, Wombat, creating 75 new jobs.