Minister Martin Announces the Opening of Enterprise Ireland’s First Office in Brazil

Micheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday 23rd November 2006) announced the opening of Enterprise Ireland’s first new overseas office in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Making the announcement, the Minister said:

“The Brazilian market, with a population of over 180 million, presents a vast market opportunity for Irish firms. Brazil is already a significant export market for Enterprise Ireland client firms. The opening of an Enterprise Ireland office in Sao Paulo signals Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to assisting Irish firms in developing stronger business relationships and increasing Irish trade with Brazil, and indeed Latin America as a whole.

“There is enormous potential to increase Irish exports and develop partnerships between Irish and Brazilian firms in sectors such as ICT and Telecommunications, Education, and Agricultural Services and Equipment,” the Minister said.

Welcoming the announcement by the Minister, Fred Klinkenberg, Brazil Manager, Enterprise Ireland said:

“The opening of Enterprise Ireland’s Sao Paulo office underlines the emerging regional importance of Brazil, and the potential of Latin America as a trading partner for Irish business. Our presence in Brazil will play a key role in further developing Enterprise Ireland’s Latin American strategy, thus supporting the existing level of Irish exports of close to €1bn to that region.

“Irish companies doing business in Brazil are likely to engage in partnerships and licensing agreements with Brazilian firms, as well as selling directly into the market. Enterprise Ireland’s Sao Paulo office provides a targeted knowledge offer for Irish companies expanding into the Brazilian market or growing their businesses there,” he said.

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