Global Ireland 2025 was launched in 2018 with the aim of doubling the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint in the period to 2025.
In parallel my Department’s Trade & Investment Strategy for 2022 to 2026, Value for Ireland, Values for the World, sets out our principled and holistic approach to international trade policy and aims to expand Ireland's global trade links and enhance our competitiveness as a top location for business and talent.
These Government policy initiatives focused on the expansion and growth of Ireland’s global and trade, with considerable progress being made on the market and sectoral diversification of Irish-owned enterprises.
Enterprise Ireland has expanded its global presence through the opening of eight new offices internationally in Munich, Lyon, Manchester, Copenhagen, Montreal, Seattle, Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. These offices are now embedded into the Enterprise Ireland overseas network; and will help to build new buyer relationships in markets where growth opportunities have been identified.
Enterprise Ireland also has a programme of trade missions, trade fairs and knowledge events that give clients the opportunity to connect with existing and new customers, access key decision makers, increase sales in international markets and exchange ideas.
Enterprise Ireland reported that by the end of 2023, it had surpassed its 2024 target of achieving a 10% increase in the number of companies achieving sales greater than €10m, €20m and €50m. At the end of 2023, a year ahead of target, over 20% growth in each category had been achieved. Growth occurred across all overseas regions and in individual industry sectors, with exports of Enterprise Ireland clients reaching a new record of €34.57bn in 2023.
Exports to the UK increased by 6%, reaching €9.97 billion. The UK now accounts for 29% of all exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies
Exports to the Eurozone, increased by 2% to €8.61 billion in 2023, with the Eurozone now representing the second largest export market for Enterprise Ireland backed companies accounting for 25% of total exports.
The third largest export market, accounting for 19% of total exports is North America. In 2023, exports to the region were up by 5% to €6.48bn. Of which €5.9bn exports were to the USA. Overall, non-food exports to North America were up 8%. Technology and Services grew by 8% to €2.95bn, and Industrial & Lifesciences exports were up 7% to €2.22bn.
Our membership of the European Union is a critical factor in our trade and investment policy and the EU’s ambitious suite of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) provides Irish companies with access to the largest trade network in the world.