Minister Bruton with Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, making the announcement today
Manufacturing companies and North American Market lead the way for export growth in 2012
Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record exports in 2012 breaking the €16bn for the first time, up from €15.2bn in 2011. Greatest wins came from sectors such as Engineering, Software, Internationally Traded Services and Medical Devices, while the outstanding geographical performance came from USA, Asia Pacific and South America.
Throughout the year Irish companies continued to broaden their export footprint and increase their sales, in the face of increasing challenges across all global markets. Enterprise Ireland is increasing its activities to support clients win new export business and build international networks and partnerships. 2013 will see a record number of ministerial-led trade missions with an increased focus on high growth economies in Asia, South America and the Middle East.
MerrionStreet.ie spoke with Minister Bruton and Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland:
Making the announcement, Frank Ryan said:
In Enterprise Ireland we are proud of the companies we work with and their tremendous achievement in continuing to increase export sales. These companies are responsible for 300,000 jobs and spend over €18bn in the Irish economy each year by winning business all over the world. It is especially encouraging to see significant gains in established markets like North America, the High Growth Economies of Asia Pacific and record performances from advanced engineering, software and medical device sectors.
Commenting on the results Minister Bruton said:
Dynamic and innovative Irish companies are central to the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and these results today confirm that they are continuing to deliver for the Irish economy.
The Tánaiste added:
Developing new business in High Growth Economies while also remaining strong in our core markets is vital for the recovery of the Irish economy. Enterprise Ireland clients have demonstrated tremendous resilience in winning record sales in these markets. I witnessed this myself when leading the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Turkey within the past fortnight and I look forward to continue working with them on trade missions and key international activities in 2013 and beyond.
Read the full press release here.