17th May 2017
Fourth national Trade and Investment Mission in Ireland takes in three cities
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD begins a two-day Trade and Investment Mission to Dublin, Cork and Galway today. A joint Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland ‘Global Sourcing’ initiative, the aim of the mission is to create business opportunities for Irish-owned companies with Multinationals (MNCs) based in Ireland.
Over 470 one-to-one meetings are scheduled to take place between 167 Enterprise Ireland clients and 115 IDA Ireland companies over the course of the two days.
Based on the Global Sourcing initiative, approximately 60 new contracts have been secured by Irish companies since 2013 totaling at least €20 million.
This is the biggest, most ambitious mission to date and will provide MNCs with direct access to potential suppliers, as well as raising awareness of the innovative capabilities of Irish SMEs across a range of sectors. These meetings are also invaluable to Irish companies seeking credible access to procurement teams in global MNCs.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said: “One aspect of a region’s potential to create jobs is to ensure that local companies and multinational companies work together to stimulate new business. The Global Sourcing Initiative is a really important strategy to ensure that innovative Irish suppliers are doing business with the MNCs based in every region in Ireland. This Mission will deepen mutually beneficial relationships that have grown over many decades. This is a win-win situation where Irish companies develop new business leads and the multinational companies’ gain access to high quality and more secure sources of supply.”
Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland, said: “A key element of Enterprise Ireland’s 2017-2020 strategy is to help Irish companies scale and expand reach globally. In the context of Brexit, it is imperative that Irish companies build new and stronger links and grow sales outside the UK market. Enterprise Ireland’s dedicated Global Sourcing team works closely with client companies seeking opportunities with MNCs based in Ireland. Creating these connections locally puts companies in a better position to avail of opportunities with MNCs globally and reinforces Ireland’s innovative and competitive supplier base. Our Brexit Unit is also on hand at the three locations during the Trade Mission to provide advice and guidance, as well as information on our range of initiatives to help companies prepare for Brexit”.
Martin Shanahan, IDA Ireland, said: “This collaboration between IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland is focused on strengthening the ties between indigenous Irish companies and multinational companies. This Investment Mission will provide multinational companies with direct access to potential suppliers and promote greater engagement between the two groups. Closer relationships through enhanced integration will bring huge benefits to local economies across the country and ultimately promote Ireland as a welcoming pro-business destination.”
ENDS
Photos will be issued by Fennell Photography and are also available on request
For further information contact:
Conor O’Donovan, Head of Communications, Enterprise Ireland, Tel: 01 7272912 conor.odonovan@enterprise-ireland.com
Brigid Burke, Press Office, Enterprise Ireland, Tel: 087 1803995 brigid.burke@enterprise-ireland.com
Mark Kelly, Press Office, IDA Ireland, Tel: 087 6674712 mark.kelly@ida.ie
Nicola Corboy
Press & Media Relations
Enterprise Ireland
T: +353 (0) 1 727 2973
M: +353 (0) 86 021 0114
E: nicola.corboy@enterprise-ireland.com
Back to Department News