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42 Irish companies seek export growth in Ireland’s largest Latin America market

The Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., will today (Monday 8th October 2012) lead an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 42 Irish companies to Brazil to boost trade between the two countries, and help Irish companies grow their export sales and create jobs in Ireland.  Last year, Enterprise Ireland client companies grew exports to Brazil by 40% and further strong growth is expected this year.  The visit is being organised in close cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of Ireland in Brasilia.  It is timed to coincide with the visit to Latin America by President Michael D. Higgins. The presence of both President Higgins and Minister Costello reflects the importance which the Government attaches to Ireland’s economic and trade relationship with Brazil. Minister Costello said: “Jobs are at the very top of this Government’s agenda, and a central part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is to increase export activity with key high-growth markets such as Brazil.” “Our trade relationship with Brazil, which is a priority market under the Government's Trade Strategy, is already very strong. Innovative and export-focused Irish firms already operating successfully in Brazil have raised awareness of the quality and high-tech nature of products and services Irish firms offer. This mission is about cementing and building on these existing links and opening new doors for increased export business and collaborative business ventures.  My Department and the Embassy network are working very closely with Enterprise Ireland on such trade missions to our priority markets.” The 42 firms participating on the trade mission have strong track records in finding and winning business in new markets. They span a wide range of sectors including telecoms, financial services, engineering and education.  Enterprise Ireland's Head of International Sales and Partnering, Kevin Sherry, who is accompanying Minister Costello on the trip, described the trade mission as a very timely and exciting opportunity for Irish firms seeking to expand their global market presence.

“Exports create and sustain jobs. The growth in exports to Brazil by Enterprise Ireland client companies of over 40% in 2011 clearly demonstrates that there are significant, realisable opportunities for increased trade and partnerships between Irish and Brazilian companies.” “Enterprise Ireland is working intensively with Irish companies to drive increased sales in key high-growth markets such as Brazil. This trade mission is a key part of Enterprise Ireland’s overall drive to increase export sales of Irish products and services which sustain and create jobs in Ireland. We are confident that further growth and business success will result from this trade mission”, added Mr Sherry. Brazil is the number one Latin American Market for Irish exporters and its rapid expansion over the past decade continues to create opportunities across various industry sectors. Minister Costello’s schedule during the visit includes a series of meetings in Brasilia and Sao Paulo with leading Brazilian companies and their Irish partners, and events to promote the capabilities and strengths of Irish exporters in key sectors. Press Office7 October 2012 Note for Editors:

Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development and internationalisation of Irish enterprises. Its main aim is to boost exports and export-led jobs. Enterprise Ireland has 31 offices worldwide, including one in Sao Paulo, to help Irish firms develop overseas markets.

Each year, Enterprise Ireland organises a series of targeted international trade missions, market visits, participation in international trade fairs and a large number of international buyer visits to Ireland focussed on assisting Irish firms target and secure international contracts and overseas partners. Here, Enterprise Ireland works directly with Irish firms to help them start up, develop their businesses, build competitiveness and innovate.

Brazil is the world's eighth largest economy, with a population of 190 million and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1.9 trillion. The country's economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year. The GDP forecasted annual growth rate between 2011 and 2014 is 4.8pc. Brazil has abundant natural resources and a developed manufacturing and services sector. A US$520 billion four-year Government infrastructure and modernisation programme is under way in the country. The 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Brazil.