25th September 2017
An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation commences five day trade visit which aims to strengthen trade between Ireland and Asia-Pacific region
An Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, is leading a five-day joint Enterprise Ireland / IDA Ireland trade mission to Singapore and Japan which commenced today (Monday, 25 September 2017).
On the first day of the trade mission, An Tánaiste and Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO witnessed a number of Enterprise Ireland client companies sign agreements with Singapore partners including;
- Novaerus, based in Dublin, signed a partnership agreement with Axxessbio and launched Novaerus’ first patented technology for airborne infection control which kills viruses and bacteria.
- ICDL Asia announced a new collaboration with Siemens PLM Asia. As an academic partner of Siemens PLM in Asia, ICDL will develop a 3D CAD module which will be offered to Higher Education Institutes in Singapore, China, India and other ASEAN countires.
- Combilift, an Irish engineering company based in County Monaghan signed a contract with Paves Asia to launch the new ‘straddle carrier’ product in Asia.
An Tánaiste also hosted a business lunch attended by clients of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, their prospective customers in the region, and high profile guests of the Irish Embassy in Singapore. Tonight she will host a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence for the CEO’s of Singaporean and ASEAN companies across a variety of target sectors, including Digital Technologies, Financial Services, Aerospace, Aviation Leasing, MNC Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare (including Medtech), Green Build.
Speaking from Singapore An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD said: “I am delighted to be leading this trade and investment mission to Singapore and Japan. I congratulate the Irish companies which have signed agreements with partners in Singapore today. These agreements are excellent examples of the economic ties that exist between Ireland and Singapore which this trade mission aims to strengthen. Trade missions such as this are vital to raise awareness of what Ireland can offer, both as a potential location for companies from the Asia-Pacific region and as a source of high-quality, innovative products and services. Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, I am working closely with the agencies in my Department who have intensified their efforts on increasing the export market penetration and diversification of Irish companies into alternative markets.”
Today’s programme also included an Aerospace and Aviation sector roundtable at Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore in which Eirtech, CAE and Aero Inspection actively participated with the Association of Aerospace Industries of Singapore. Singapore is a leading hub for the Asia Pacific MRO market, accounting for 25% of market share. The MRO sector has a strong ecosystem supported by over 100 companies participating in the entire value chain, from airframe maintenance, engine overhaul to aircraft modifications and conversion. Aero Inspection, CAE Parc Aviation and Eirtech Aviation are amongst a number of Enterprise Ireland clients that have established offices in Singapore to leverage this ecosystem and stay close to their customers. An Tánaiste also met IDA Ireland client companies Asia Aviation and BOC Aviation.
Tomorrow’s schedule (Tuesday, 26 September 2017) will include;
- Bilateral meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Thaman Shanmugaratnam and Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry.
- Enterprise Ireland client announcements will include;
- Kingspan celebrate the opening of its first office in Singapore.
- Cylon Controls and Guoco Land showcase the use of their reduced energy usage lighting system in Singapore’s tallest building, the Tanjong Pagar Centre and,
- Trinity College Dublin further progress existing collaborations with Singapore Institute of Technology.
- Networking reception for the Irish diaspora, Enterprise Ireland clients, IDA Ireland clients and guests of Bord Bia, the GAA and the Irish Embassy.
On Wednesday 27th September 2017, An Tánaiste will lead the mission to Tokyo, Japan where she will promote Ireland and its world-class companies during a series of high level business engagements, including an address to Keidanren, Japan’s largest business association with over 1,600 members, covering Ireland’s Economy, Trade and Investment, the Japan-Europe Economic Partnership Agreement and Brexit.
The objectives of the trade mission include; supporting participating Irish companies to further their relationships with new and existing customers in Singapore and Japan, deepening relationships with existing IDA clients to secure further investments for Ireland, positioning Ireland as a post-Brexit solution for Asian companies, and promoting the potential of EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly from a ‘new opportunities for Irish companies’ perspective.
The trade and investment mission concludes on Friday, 29 September 2017.
-ENDS-
NOTE: Images available on request to the Enterprise Ireland press office
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For more information, contact: Nicola Corboy, Press & Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland T: +353 (0) 1 727 2973 Email: nicola.corboy@enterprise-ireland.com
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