Minister’s trade mission comes in light of strong export figures publishedby Central Bank
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton has travelled to London this morning (Thursday) for a one-day trade mission to help rebuild Ireland’s reputation abroad. The Minister will also meet Irish companies supported by government to discuss the challenges they face in operating in the British market.
"Part of the challenge in achieving growth in the economy and creating jobs will be to build on our export growth and ensure that Irish companies operating in major international markets have the proper support to meet the challenges they face. I am looking forward to meeting today with the people driving these companies to discuss in detail those challenges and what government can do to help them thrive.
"The Central Bank today revealed that Irish exports expanded at an average of 9.5% in 2010, the largest annual increase since 2000, which is very welcome news. We expect that exports will remain the main driver of growth in 2011. However challenges remain and government must ensure its policies are properly targeted to support exporting companies.
"I am also looking forward to meeting with journalists from major international newspapers to help explain to the world that Ireland’s economy will rebound, and that we are developing plans to ensure that Irish businesses can expand and grow, by reducing costs, improving access to finance and encouraging innovation and R&D.
· Minister Bruton’s schedule in London will include the following
events:
· Morning briefing on the UK market from Embassy officials, Tourism
Ireland, the IDA, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland (45 minutes)
· Irish Business Networks lunch, "Ireland’s enterprise economy" (90
minutes)
· Media briefing on the focus of government strategy, the banking
situation, the EU/IMF proposals and Ireland’s economic recovery with major
UK, German and Spanish print publications: the Financial Times, The
Times, El Pais, Wirtschaftswoche, Handelsblatt, and possible others tbc (1
hour)
· Meeting with Willie Walsh, CEO, British Airways (1 hour)
· Roundtable discussion with five government-supported Irish companies
with a fast-growing track record of success in the UK (Southwestern,
Windmill Lane, Feedhenry, Espion and Daon) as well as representatives of
Enterprise Ireland (45 minutes)
· Trade dinner at the Embassy of Ireland hosted by Ambassador McDonagh
The Minister will depart London from Gatwick Airport early tomorrow morning.