She has previous experience as a teacher and small business owner, and serves on North Carolina's Local Government Commission, and Economic Development Board.

CNN: Helms departure opens Senate race in N.C.

In addition to his one term in the state Legislature, Salazar's prior public service included stints on the Governor's Economic Development Advisory Board, the State Agricultural Commission, the board of directors of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, and the board of directors of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Forum.

CNN: Salazar wins tussle for open Colorado seat

Dr Arkhom Termpittayapaisith , Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) and of the Research and Development Institute of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (RSEPF) will deliver the keynote lecture.

UNESCO: Towards a Sufficiency Economy: A New Ethical Paradigm for Sustainability | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies and Wales Tourist Board chairman Philip Evans were expected to attended to launch, which will include a presentation by Francois Arbellot, from Brittany.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North West Wales | Watersports scheme to boost jobs

According to a recent Committee for Economic Development report on women on boards, as other countries institute board diversity quotas, they may consider board-ready American women to hit their more aggressive targets for women directors.

FORBES: Women On Boards: Moving From 'Why' To 'How'

Mr Kingon added that Northern Ireland's business sector and the new economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland - being created to replaced the small business funder LEDU and the Industrial Development Board - faced a difficult year.

BBC: 'Challenges ahead' for NI economy