The full programme of events – 68 in total – includes ministerial-led trade missions, inward buyer visits, market study visits, international trade fairs, embassy events and knowledge seminars. They are all aimed at linking Irish companies with international buyers.

In total there will be 36 ministerial-led trade missions and associated activities this year – almost double the number in 2015.

Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland chief executive, said a key element of Enterprise Ireland’s plan to support Irish exporters is around market expansion and diversification.

“We recently announced record export results of €20.6bn which demonstrates that our strategy of helping clients expand into new markets in recent years is working,” Ms Sinnamon said.

“We will now intensify that approach in order to increase the opportunities for Irish exporters to scale their businesses into other global markets continuing to reduce our overall dependence on the UK market.”

Ms Sinnamon said the agency’s focusing on opportunities in Northern Europe, the US, Canada and other high-growth markets including the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Missions include a life sciences trade visit to the US, a financial services trade mission to China, a software and education trade mission to India, and a food-manufacturing mission to the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor said delivering a programme of ministerial-led trade missions is a key commitment in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs.

“This new programme of trade missions and events is a key element of our plan to support Irish companies from counties around Ireland to grow their businesses internationally to generate more exports and create jobs in Ireland,” she said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said a key element of the Department’s strategy is to use embassies, consulates and other missions to maximise opportunities for Irish companies.

“As announced earlier this week after the Export Trade Council meeting, I have recently created new commercial attaché posts in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Romania. This is a key part of my Department’s new economic diplomacy strategy,” the Minister said.

Article Source: Irish Independent