Irish companies target export opportunities across range of sectors
Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, TD, is tomorrow (Saturday 31 May 2014) leading 22 Irish companies in a major drive to boost international linkages and increase Irish exports to Qatar and Oman.
Speaking before his departure Minister Costello said:
‘This trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland in close cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassies of Ireland accredited to Qatar and Oman, is an important opportunity to explore new commercial prospects and build on the already strong links that Ireland and Irish companies have in this region. Strong exporting Irish companies are critical to maintaining the economic growth we are witnessing across the country.
Enterprise Ireland trade missions are an essential part of sustaining this export growth, helping open up market access for Irish goods and building the business networks that are so critical to international business.
Growth in trade and investment resulting from these missions supports jobs in Ireland and is an essential part of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs.'
The three-day trade mission to Qatar and Oman is focused on key sectors in these markets where Irish companies have particularly strong capabilities – higher education, telecommunications, life sciences, construction and engineering, and water/waste water. This is the first Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Oman.
Minister Costello will have a series of high level business engagements supporting the Irish companies’ drive in these markets. He will also have a number of political engagements where bilateral and other issues of relevance, including human rights, will be raised, as well as meetings with representatives of the Irish business community.
In line with Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, the trade mission provides a key foundation on which to strengthen economic, political and cultural links with Qatar and Oman. This mission, which follows a major trade mission led by an Taoiseach to the Gulf region in January, will facilitate practical relationship building for Enterprise Ireland client companies with their current and prospective counterparts in the region, as well as raising the profile of Ireland at the highest levels of Government in the two countries.
It is a strong platform to promote Ireland and its companies as strategic partners across multiple sectors and will demonstrate how Enterprise Ireland can act as a conduit to those world class goods and services.
Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager with Enterprise Ireland, who is accompanying Minister Costello on the trade mission, added:
‘Enterprise Ireland trade missions, 18 of which are being undertaken this year, are all about helping our client companies grow their exports sales, sustaining and creating new jobs throughout Ireland.
Markets such as Qatar and Oman are particular targets, where we can build on our existing strengths and at the same time lay the ground work for further new export opportunities. We have increased the number of Ministerial-led trade missions over the past two years and the intensive series of meetings and events that are part of every trade mission continue to play a critical role in supporting Irish companies grow their international business’.
ENDS
Notes 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 the creation of export-led jobs. Enterprise Ireland has 30 offices worldwide 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 securing international contracts and overseas partners. Enterprise Ireland works directly with Irish firms to help them start up, develop their businesses, build competitiveness and innovate.
Trade promotion and economic messaging are central to the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassy Network. Embassies work with State Agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, to promote Ireland as a source of high-quality products and services, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism.