€35million contracts secured during South African Trade Mission

Statement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Wednesday, 16^th January 2008

At the conclusion of the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to South Africa Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin said that contracts to the value of €35 million will be realised over the next 24 months by Irish companies who participated in the mission.

These include companies such as Arrantech, Azotel, Changing Worlds, CR2 and ESB International.

Contracts have been agreed with South African based companies such as Motorola, ESCom and Standard Bank.

Speaking at the end of the Enterprise Ireland Mission in Johannesburg Minister Martin said, "Ireland and South Africa are two fast growing economies – modern, reforming and outward looking. I believe that the strong links between Ireland and South Africa put Irish business in a prime position to contribute to and benefit from this exciting economic transformation."

"This mission saw more than 50 Enterprise Ireland supported firms form important links and partnerships in a region which has a population of 185 million people. The mission was an opportunity not just for trade but for the Government to be briefed by President Mbeki and his Ministers on economic and social issues across the continent," the Minister said.

Frank Ryan, CEO Enterprise Ireland said "Many of the companies taking part in the Trade Mission, especially in the IT and software sectors are seeking local partners to expand operations in the region and we see significant scope for new business development."

"I am greatly encouraged that Small and Medium Sized companies such as Butler Manufacturing are playing a role in developing water treatment systems which can be effectively used in remote locations across Africa, while companies such as Audit Diagnostics are supporting humanitarian agencies by donating health analysis systems. Such partnerships benefit South Africans while also securing jobs in our own communities across Ireland."

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For Further Information Contact:

Jerry O’Connor, Media Advisor, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 01 631 2200