Looking to capitalise early on the trading possibilities with accession states, the Government has given the ICT sector the green light to use the Irish presidency of the EU to seek out business opportunities with the likes of Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary.
Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach announced this morning that a special business forum is to be held as part of eWeek, a Government-backed initiative running from 26 April to 1 May and organised by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
To coincide with the signing of the EU Accession Treaty in Dublin, the eWeek programme will include a special Accession States Business Forum on Friday 30 April. The event is aimed at generating sales opportunities for Irish companies in ICT and other sectors with the new EU member states from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. It will involve businesses from the ten new member states and the three candidate countries, representatives of the EU Commission and leading Irish business figures with experience of those markets.
“From an international perspective eWeek is important as it takes place on the week leading up to the signing of the Accession Treaty in Dublin. In a new enlarged digital marketplace Ireland can play a significant leadership role which would encourage further growth and inward investment along with stimulating domestic growth,” said Gina Quin, spokesperson for the eWeek organising committee.
As well as provide a platform for Ireland’s tech sector, eWeek will seek to highlight the levels of technological innovation taking place in the country. There will be a particular focus on the practical application and benefits of Irish technology appealing to a broad range of consumers rather than just an exhibition targeted at the technology sector.
Highlights of the week will include a series of launches from government agencies and the corporate sector along with conferences, exhibitions, digital and future workshops, schools visits, and round-table forums.
Commenting on the event, Minister Hanafin said: “It is fitting at this historic time that we are creating the opportunity to recognise the role of technology in connecting a competitive, cohesive Europe – and demonstrating exciting applications of ICT for business, social, educational and community purposes. We in Government look forward to helping make the initiative a success.”
By Brian Skelly
