€35million contracts secured during South African Trade Mission

Statement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Wednesday, 16th 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 chases 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."

-ENDS-

This   press  release  is  also  available  on  the  Department's  website
www.entemp.ie

For Further Information Contact:

Jerry O'Connor, Media Advisor, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment +0027 711992384

Press Office
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Ph: 631 2200 Fax: 6312828
www.entemp.ie