Tánaiste further reinforces trade links between Switzerland and Ireland

Enterprise Ireland clients show big sales growth in Swiss market.IDA Ireland seeks to increase FDI by Swiss companies.

“Switzerland is an important trading partner for Ireland. Irish-owned companies, the fastest-growing sector of the Irish economy, are winning substantial new business in Switzerland, achieving growth of 15% last year”, said the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Mary Coughlan, T.D when she addressed an Enterprise Ireland trade dinner for Irish companies and their Swiss partners and customers in Zurich.

The Tánaiste said “Enterprise Ireland client companies in software, telecoms, financial services and the lifesciences have become global players, selling to markets throughout the world. Their success is based on a number of key characteristics – a product and related services orientation, backed by R&D investment; a commitment to export-led growth; a niche focus that enable small companies to achieve significant market positions in global niche areas; and a partnership approach to developing new business.”

Gerry Murphy, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland who accompanied the Tánaiste said: “Our client companies at this event are particularly focused on the Lifesciences sector. There are a number of companies here from the Pharma, Medical Devices and Biotech sub-sectors. Financial services companies are also succeeding in Switzerland and winning substantial business here”.

Dermot Clohessy, Executive Director, IDA Ireland, who also attended the dinner said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the continuation of the strong business links that exist between Switzerland and Ireland. Swiss companies employ approximately 3360 people in Ireland in activities as wide ranging as R&D and manufacturing in sectors as diverse as Financial Services, Business Services and Life sciences. IDA looks forward to working with these companies on an ongoing basis”.

ENDS/ETE1966