Enterprise Ireland Announces Intensive Autumn Schedule of Overseas Events to Grow Irish Exports
The Minister for Small Business Mr John Perry T.D. is today (Monday 12th September 2011) commencing a week-long Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Australia. The mission marks the start of Enterprise Ireland’s autumn schedule of overseas events organised to drive Irish exports in high growth potential markets.
Forty five Irish technology firms are participating in the mission which is focussed on developing Irish software and services exports to Australia and includes firms from technology sectors including IT & mobility, telecommunications, e-learning, financial services and e-health.
Announcing the mission, Minister Perry said:
"Australia is a critical market for Irish goods and services – particularly the sectors represented on this tightly focussed, technology trade mission. The Irish-owned software industry comprises over 500 companies, employing over 10,000 people. This mission is focussed on opening up opportunities for the Irish companies in this key growth sector to help them develop the potential in the Australian market, and secure export sales that will grow their businesses at home.
"It is also about telling the Australian market that Ireland is very much open for business, we are confident that our economy is meeting current challenges and we appreciate the support of Australia, as one of our key trading partners."
The Australia mission is the first in a series of overseas trade missions and events that Enterprise Ireland has planned to take place over the next four months to push Irish exports in key high potential markets. Next week Minister Bruton will lead a trade mission to the Southern States of the US while trade missions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Quatar, and South Africa are also planned to take place between now and the end of the year.
Enterprise Ireland’s Head of International Sales and Partnering Kevin Sherry added:
"This mission is part of Enterprise Ireland’s intensive programme of trade missions and overseas events targeting markets with particular growth potential for Irish companies between now and the end of the year. It designed to give Irish exports an extra push at this critical stage of our economic recovery.
"Australia is a key growth market for Irish companies – particularly high-tech firms such as those represented on this mission. The geography of the Australian market means that it is particularly open to Irish technologies that help overcome geography such as e-learning, telecommunications and IT for Healthcare. This trade mission is about highlighting the unique and innovative solutions that Ireland can offer Australia and to build on the already solid base of Irish indigenous export activity to this key strategic market."
Irish companies export almost €200m of goods and services to Australia each year making it the largest market in the Asia Pacific Region and the 9th largest market in the World for Enterprise Ireland client companies.
The week-long trade mission will involve a series of events hosted throughout Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Each of the events, in front of key Australian buyers and influencers has been organised as a platform for each Irish company to build their reputation and deepen their trade and commercial ties with Australia.
The meetings arranged and events to take place during the mission include:
· Two IT for Healthcare Showcases involving Enterprise Ireland client companies and leading Australian healthcare providers in partnership with Telstra and Mercy Health
· A Technology in Financial Services Breakfast in partnership with Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
· Meeting with members of Australian Learning Alliance
· Attendance at key individual client meetings between Irish companies and their Australian clients to provide key endorsement to the Irish firms.
· Attendance at business networking events for Enterprise Ireland clients and their Australian partners.
· Meeting with Deputy Premier of National Party and the Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services & Small Business, The Hon Louise Asher, MP.
· Meeting with Senator The Hon. Nick Sherry, Minister for Small Business
· Meeting with Mr Peter Grey, CEO of Austrade.