Speech by Minister Ahern on the Occasion of a Welcoming Dinner to Mark the Visit to Dublin and Showcase Ireland of a Group of Very Important Buyers (VIB) from the USA

20^th January 2003 at 8pm

Dublin Castle

It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening with such a distinguished group of buyers from the United States of America. On behalf of the Irish Government, and on behalf of the organisers of Showcase Ireland 2003 and Enterprise Ireland, I would like to extend a very warm Irish welcome to you all.

I am delighted that you have come over to Dublin to be with us this week and I would like to thank Enterprise Ireland and in particular Mr. Mike Feeney, Executive Director, and Ms Marina Donohoe, Director of Americas, for giving me this opportunity of greeting you all.

It is a great boost for Showcase, and an indication of its stature on the giftware calendar, that it is successful in attracting such senior and influential buyers from prestigious American organisations. You do us honour by being here as our very special guests and your presence is yet one further indication of the dynamic and ever growing business relationship between the United States and Ireland.

As you know, Showcase is Ireland's largest International Gift, Fashion, Interiors & Tabletop Fair. Since its inception in 1977, when the crafts fair was mainly a domestic occasion, it has developed into one of the world's leading International craft, gift, tabletop and fashion trade shows.

Every year, 10,000 buyers, including an estimated 2,000 International buyers from UK, Europe, North America, Australia & Japan, visit the show. One-third of the overseas buyers are from the US and they are responsible for close on half the overseas orders secured at Showcase.

Over 600 of Ireland's top consumer product companies are taking part this year, presenting buyers with a wide range of contemporary and classic products of international standard. Showcase is the only European fair to offer fashion, accessories, jewellery, gift, home & tabletop and Celtic products to the buyer at one event.

I had, earlier, a brief opportunity to discuss with some of you personally the key influences of your purchasing choice. Again and again, it seems that quality, reliability and new product ranges rank high in your evaluation. Irish companies strive to present buyers with new, innovative and creative products each year, ensuring that competitive pricing, and high quality of production and manufacturing are core to their complete product offering.

And why were you invited to Showcase? Well, you are very important to us. Your companies are of high standing. You appreciate what Showcase and the Irish giftware sector have to offer. You will find at Showcase, I know, product that will delight your customers in the US.

Last year, Irish giftware enjoyed record sales in the United States and we expect that 2003 will be another banner year. So this is the opportunity to get ahead of the game by carrying the outstanding giftware of Ireland that your customers will want to buy.

Today, Ireland and the United States are doing more business together than at any other time in our history. Total Irish exports to the United States have increased fourfold in five years and our two-way trade reached $24 billion last year.

Despite the global economic downturn, the United States continues to be the second largest export market (after the UK) for Irish companies across all sectors, from high tech business solutions to the best of crafts, giftware and clothing. And, downturn or not, the US continues to be the fastest growing market in the world for quality Irish merchandise. We're very proud of the fact that Irish companies are thriving in what is one of the most competitive and sophisticated markets in the world.

There is a solid and growing demand from American consumers for quality Irish giftware products. Over 600 of Ireland's leading companies - large, medium and small - are offering, at Showcase, products reflecting quality, creativity, flair, authenticity and commercial marketability. These companies appreciate your business and, in turn, are committed to giving you the highest standards of service.

Irish giftware suppliers are experiencing continued year-on-year sales increases to the American market and I would suggest that this is because Irish giftware scores highly in a number of areas. In design, for example, where I think it's fair to say that Irish companies really stand out in terms of the uniqueness and creativity of their products, as well as their use of indigenous materials, which give them a cutting edge on the competition.

The Irish giftware sector boasts traditional craft skills combined with investment in modern technology and production flexibility and customisation in meeting the precise requirements of buyers for high quality merchandise. The companies are customer-led, in terms of professionalism, marketing and the creation of strategic relationships with buyers.

Enterprise Ireland, is the development agency for Irish business and I would invite you to make the fullest use of their services. They understand your business and your sourcing requirements and can introduce you to the suppliers who can best meet your requirements. In other words, if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, Enterprise Ireland have an experienced resource at your disposal to locate it for you.

This is the 27^th Showcase and is organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland. Over the years, many of you have attended the event. You will have noticed the changes and improvements that Ireland has enjoyed with our increased economic growth and prosperity. Showcase Ireland has also grown, from its small beginnings in 1977 to the wonderful display of quality Irish talent today. Something that has not changed, I hope, is the genuineness of our Irish hospitality and the warmth of our welcome.

Therefore, may I thank you again for coming to visit us this year. I hope that you will enjoy your stay with us. I would like to thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to be here in Ireland and I wish you a successful buying visit to Showcase Ireland 2003.