COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A new partnership strengthens the relationship between the Palmetto State and the Emerald Isle.

On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster held a ceremony at the State House to mark a new law establishing the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission.

According to the governor's office, Irish companies employ nearly 6,000 South Carolinians, a number that has been on the rise in recent years.

This new, 15-member group is tasked with advancing trade and investment opportunities between the state and Ireland.

"There's so much opportunity for collaboration that we would have been remiss if we didn't come back and start conversations here," Sen. Mike Reichenbach, R - Florence and the lead sponsor of the bill, said.

South Carolina lawmakers said Ireland is the gateway to the European Union and home to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the state of South Carolina to move forward in its international relationships and hopefully to advance mutual investment across both of our great places," Rep. Micah Caskey, R - Lexington, said.

Earlier this month, the South Carolina Department of Commerce announced the opening of its new office in London that will serve the Irish and United Kingdom markets and boost trade and investment efforts with those nations.