Economy

Enterprise Ireland to host 48 trade events across 17 countries to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

By Business & Finance
15 March 2023
Pictured: Judith Harrington, Enterprise Ireland Market Advisor, Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia Tim Mawe, Dr. Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finn Connolly, Business Development T-Pro, John Wollaston, MD of SyberScribe, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney T.D., David Eccles, Enterprise Ireland Overseas Manager for AUS/ NZ, and Carol Gibbons, Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland.

Exports for Enterprise Ireland client companies increase to €27.29bn in 2021


Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin are set to lead Enterprise Ireland’s programme of events worldwide in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

Growth was at an all-time high for Enterprise Ireland in 2021, with exports increasing by 12% to €27.29bn. This is a record level of growth for Enterprise Ireland-backed companies in export value.

Enterprise Ireland plans to host 48 trade events across 17 countries, to bring together international partners, while also highlighting the achievements and importance of Irish businesses. 

St. Patrick’s day has become a globally celebrated holiday, allowing for not only tourism but also opportunities for international collaboration and trade. With Ireland making impacts all over the world, Irish industry leaders are given the opportunity to prove their innovations, building connections and allowing for expansion. Trade events such as these will further develop innovation and discussions. 

Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, An Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, and other Government Ministers, will join Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy in leading a series of events with Enterprise Ireland clients and international partners across the US, Europe, UK, IMEA and Asia Pacific regions over the St Patrick’s Day period.

In Washington D.C, Varadkar will join Enterprise Ireland client companies Manna Drone Delivery and IrishEyes TV where they will stream a live feed of  St. Patrick’s Day events for global viewing.

Enterprise Ireland client companies are leading in various industries such as tech, consumer goods and the creative sector and this week allows us as a nation to showcase Ireland’s innovators and the positive contribution they are making across the world

Minister Simon Coveney will also welcome the significant growth of Irish exports to Australia, a major contributor, while Minister Charlie McConalogue will travel to New Zealand to discuss agri-business relations between both countries.

Exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies in the Australian market increased by 28% to over €300 million in 2021, an increase of €66 million on the previous year and the biggest increase across the region. In total, exports to the Australian and New Zealand markets from Ireland were worth almost €350 million in 2021. 

The trade tour will begin on March 16th at the Irish Pavillion at Cosmoprof, a B2B Beauty Event in Bologna, Italy, with the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke in attendance. Cosmoprof is known to be a highly influential event for the beauty industry, as it now heads into its 54th year. Irish skincare will also be highlighted at the Ireland Pavillion.

“St Patrick’s Day provides a unique opportunity for Irish businesses to enhance and build on trading relationships with key markets and boost collaboration overseas. Enterprise Ireland client companies are leading in various industries such as tech, consumer goods and the creative sector and this week allows us as a nation to showcase Ireland’s innovators and the positive contribution they are making across the world,” said Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Simon Coveney T.D.

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland client companies are playing a vital role in enabling innovation and productivity in a range of cutting-edge industries across the globe. We’re enormously proud to play an active role in the historic growth of Irish companies’ footprint worldwide and we are delighted to be visiting some of these dynamic companies this week. As we prepare for St Patrick’s Day, it’s an excellent time to celebrate the achievements of Irish trade and focus on our committed ambition for expansion and growth.”


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