Published Thursday, 01 October 2009
The Northern Ireland Secretary made the announcement during his speech to Labour's conference in Brighton.
Mr Woodward told delegates Mrs Clinton and her husband former President Bill Clinton had been "unstinting" in their support for Northern Ireland.
"I can announce today that within the next few weeks Secretary of State Hillary Clinton specifically wants to come to Northern Ireland to help look at the jobs and opportunities and investment that America can bring to Northern Ireland," he said.
There were 42 million Irish-Americans who want to invest there and America "wants to put its money where their hearts truly rest".
The final stage of the devolution process was the "critical last step" which would signal "enduring stability" in Northern Ireland.
"A move which, in seeking the confidence of the communities of Northern Ireland, also sends a signal of confidence from Northern Ireland to the world," he said.
"We are in the last part of the journey, the remaining bridge to cross.
"It is my abiding optimism, and that of our Prime Minister, that this challenge not only can but will be met.
"In being bridged this truly will give Northern Ireland the peace, the security and the prosperity and jobs people so rightly deserve.
"Let the impossible dream now become the lasting reality."