Published on 

Minister Bruton leads first Irish trade mission to Southern United States

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton today commences a week-long Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Southern States of America.

This is the first Irish Government trade mission to this part of the US. The aim of the mission is to widen the export footprint of Irish exporters by exploring new opportunities in the fast growing South East States of Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.

Sixty Irish firms are participating in the mission which is part of Enterprise Ireland’s autumn schedule of overseas events organised to drive Irish exports in high growth markets. The Minister’s schedule includes:

  • Political meetings with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Florida Governor Rick Scott, North Carolina Governor Beverly Purdue and Mayor Anthony Foxx of Charlotte;

  • Visits to high-tech institutes at Georgia Tech, University of Miami and North Carolina Research Triangle;

  • Events to promote Irish exporters in telecommunications, food, life sciences, cleantech and biotech.

Announcing the mission, Minister Bruton said:

Jobs are at the very top of this government’s agenda, and if we are to create the employment we so badly need, it is crucial that we create an indigenous engine of growth. 90% of our exports are still accounted for by foreign companies, and if we are to create the future we all aspire to, we must achieve a step-change in the performance of our indigenous exporters.

On this trade mission I will be visiting three fast-growing American States where Irish exports are weak, and targeting sectors where we can build on strengths we already have, including life sciences, cleantech, financial services and food. Through a series of political discussions, partnering events and other meetings I hope to open doors to Irish exporters which can help enable them to capture greater export market share and ultimately expand and create the jobs we so badly need.

However we must do more, and over the coming months I will be revealing details of my plan to create an indigenous engine of growth.

Read the full press release here.