Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Enterprise Ireland plans to have a trade mission to the west coast of United States of America in the next three months. [6976/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland prepare a programme of trade missions and events which support the goals of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland that are aiming to grow business overseas, and so increasing domestic employment and showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.
In recent years the majority of ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These missions have focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in a range of sectors, including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.
Last week, I travelled to the US West coast for a series of high-level meetings with a range of companies including existing IDA client companies based in the region. The visit was an opportunity for me to meet with enterprise leaders and discuss challenges in the tech sector, as well as highlighting Ireland’s value as a location for foreign direct investment.
My Department is currently working closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland on developing the Ministerial-led trade mission programme for the remainder of 2023. Consideration of this programme is still ongoing, and no final decisions have been made. In the meantime, my Department will continue to work closely with its agencies to identify opportunities to help Irish companies access new markets and increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland.
