Irish firms head to Poland and Czech Republic for EI trade mission

13 May 2013

Irish companies have today embarked on a four-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission in order to increase their exports to Poland and the Czech Republic.

The Minister for Small Business, John Perry, TD, is leading the trade mission, which will see 25 Irish firms travel to the Czech Republic and 37 companies travel to Poland. The aim of the trade mission is to raise Ireland’s profile with key business and Government contacts in the region.

Companies travelling on the trade mission include high-growth start-ups and medium-sized companies in sectors such as ICT and financial services.

Over the next four days, 11 Irish companies are set to sign contracts with Czech and Polish companies.

Speaking before his departure, Perry said Poland and the Czech Republic are key target markets for Irish companies operating in the ICT, high-tech manufacturing, construction and financial services sectors.

“As the economies in these markets continue to grow, so too do the opportunities for Irish companies to deepen their involvement in these markets and win new business,” he said.

Exports from Irish-owned companies to the Czech Republic increased by 65pc over the past five years to reach nearly €50m in 2012, while total exports from Ireland to Czech Republic exceed €600m.

In 2012, Enterprise Ireland client companies exported €300m of goods and services to the Polish marketplace.

Exporting image via Shutterstock

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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