Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D. Leads Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Canada

Trade delegations from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be in Canada this week (16^th-19^th October 2006) to foster trade links between Canada and both parts of the island of Ireland. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin, T.D. will lead a four-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Canada with 23 Irish companies. Maria Eagle, M.P., Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister will lead a delegation of 9 companies.

Ministers Martin and Eagle will be keynote speakers at a function hosted by the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Toronto. Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland have collaborated closely in preparation for the trade missions.

Commenting on the Enterprise Ireland trade mission Minister Martin said:

“A key objective of this trade mission is to assist Irish companies in winning new business and developing strong business relationships in Canada.”

“Ireland and Canada share a focus on developing the knowledge-intensive sectors of our economies and both invest heavily in education, science and R&D. These similarities position us as ideal trading partners and present opportunities for synergies and increased trade.

“The Canadian market presents significant opportunities for Irish companies, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors such as financial services, biotechnology, photonics, digital media and Information Communications and Technology (ICT)” he added.

“The potential exists to substantially increase trade between Ireland and Canada through the creation of strategic alliances and partnerships between companies from both countries. Further gains can undoubtedly be achieved through alliances at industry level between Irish and Canadian business, academic and research organisations. The trade mission will provide an ideal opportunity for Irish companies to explore business development opportunities through investment, technology transfer, joint ventures, acquisitions and other forms of joint marketing and trade relationships” the Minister said.

During the Enterprise Ireland trade mission, a number of significant announcements will be made by its client companies.