Opportunities for cross-border business partnerships highlighted at Bridging the Border seminar 2008

Enterprise agencies on both sides of the border, InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, have come together to host the seminar "Bridging the Border, North/South Business Partnerships" which takes place in Cavan today (February 21st 2008).

The event will highlight the advantages of cross-border collaboration between small companies and focus on ways to increase the volume of cross-border trade which is currently in the region of €2.5 billion per annum (2006 figure). 

The organisers are concentrating on bringing companies from the ICT, nanotechnology, life sciences, agri-food & aerospace sectors as these are all priority technology areas on both sides of the border and present greater opportunities for collaboration, technology transfer and commercial agreements.

Speaking in advance of the event, Leon Agnew of Enterprise Ireland said;
"Ireland has one of the highest rates of business start-ups in Europe with over 2,700 new companies being created per month. It is crucial that these start-ups get all the support and information they need to thrive and grow. We have organised this event with our counterparts in Northern Ireland to show small and medium companies that there are major benefits to be had through developing cross border business partnerships, including reduced costs, new markets and more suppliers".

ENDS

For more information contact:

Grace Fitzgerald Communications & Media Relations Officer Enterprise Ireland Tel: 00353 18082746