merrion street

Wednesday 14 November 2012 - In South Africa, Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello TD, has inaugurated Enterprise Ireland’s expert panels in Financial Services and in Telecommunications, as part of an initiative to support Irish companies in these sectors to increase their business presence and win new export contracts in the growing South African market.  The launches took place during the Enterprise Ireland trade mission Minister Costello is leading to South Africa.

These expert panels are made up of local industry experts with extensive expertise and knowledge of the market and industry institutions.  They will provide strategic planning support, advice and introductions for Irish companies seeking to enter or expand their business in the market. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, TD, said:  ‘The continuing strong growth in Irish exports to South Africa shows clearly that there is significant opportunity for increased trade and partnerships between Irish and South African companies.  Enterprise Ireland client companies increased their sales in South Africa by 29% to over €100m in 2011, and a similar level of strong growth is expected in 2012.  This trade mission, which is being organised by Enterprise Ireland in close cooperation with my Department and our Embassy in Pretoria, is of great importance in deepening trade links between Ireland and South Africa. The expert panels can become an important resource for indigenous industries in these two vital sectors of the Irish economy”.

Kevin Sherry, Enterprise Ireland’s Head of International Sales and Partnering, who is accompanying Minister Costello on the trade mission, commented:  ‘Financial Services are a key component of Ireland’s successful export performance – and South Africa is a key market for an increasing number of Irish financial services companies.  Likewise, the growing demand for telecommunications in South Africa and throughout sub-Saharan Africa offers real business and partnership opportunities for Irish companies.  These expert panels are about helping ambitious, innovative Irish companies tap into the huge market potential in South Africa in these sectors’.