KITT LEADS TWENTY IRISH COMPANIES TO RUSSIAEI TRADE MISSION TARGETS GROWTH IN TRADE

Mr Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for International Trade, is leading a trade mission of twenty Irish companies to Russia beginning on Monday (2nd April, 2001). The mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland, will result in new business opportunities for Irish companies in the market and will raise the awareness of Ireland as a top class supplier of goods and services to Russia.

According to Minister Kitt, the Irish companies participating on the mission are keen to develop and expand business and partnership arrangements across a wide range of sectors including industrial, engineering, software, education and telecommunications. "These companies reflect the dynamism of Ireland today and represent the enterprises playing a key role in the export lead growth of our economy. Our participation in the mission affirms the growing interest among Irish business people in developing trade and commercial links with Russia".

The Minister said that there are substantial opportunities for accelerated trade growth between Ireland and Russia. "The major growth areas offering potential in this regard include computer software and hardware, building and construction products and services, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. Good opportunities also exist in the food sector, selected consumer goods and in consultancy, particularly banking and financial services. A major aim of the Mission is to promote the product and service capability of Irish companies and encourage collaborative business ventures between Ireland and Russia," he said.

Enterprise Ireland has an office in Moscow and works with approximately 100 Irish companies active in the Russian market. An extensive itinerary and programme of meetings has been organised for each of the Irish companies to meet with existing and potential customers and partners.