merrion street

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton is in London today on a one-day trade mission to rebuild Ireland's reputation abroad.  The Minister will meet Irish companies supported by the government to discuss the challenges they face in operating in the British market.

The Minister said of the trade mission:

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.

Read the full press release from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation here.