The Minister for International Trade Mr John McGuinness T.D. is today (Monday 26th May 2008) leading 42 Irish companies on an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Brazil and Mexico. 

The aim of the Mission is to enhance economic links between Ireland and both Brazil and Mexico, and help Irish companies to access long-term opportunities available in both markets. 

Speaking ahead of the Mission, Minister McGuinness said:

"Ireland's economic success is intrinsically linked to Irish firms achieving sales in international markets and Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping Irish companies access emerging opportunities and growing markets.  Brazil and Mexico represent the two largest economies in Latin America and present vast export growth opportunities that can be matched by Ireland's supply capabilities in several sectors including telecommunications, financial services, educational services, agricultural equipment and food processing technologies."

"A number of Enterprise Ireland client companies are already doing business in Brazil and Mexico and the export of Irish goods and services to Latin America continues to trend upward.  Irish exports to Latin America in 2007 displayed a year-over-year increase of 14 percent on 2006 while exports to Brazil and Mexico grew by 8 percent and 11 percent respectively. 

"Partnerships and joint ventures can be an effective and relatively risk-free way to penetrate new markets and the mission will also provide the opportunity for Enterprise Ireland client companies to forge strategic partnerships with Brazilian and Mexican companies in areas such as product development, marketing and sourcing.

Enterprise Ireland's Director of the Americas, Tom Cusack added:

"Latin America represents an exciting opportunity for Irish entrepreneurs seeking to expand their global market presence.  The appetite for Irish innovation remains strong and Enterprise Ireland is committed to tapping the long-term market opportunities for Irish companies by helping them forge strong business ties in Brazil and Mexico, and throughout Latin America."

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About the Mission:
Enterprise Ireland's Trade Mission to Brazil and Mexico takes place from Monday 26th May to Friday 30th of May with 42 companies participating.  The aim of the mission is to promote Irish industry in Brazil and Mexico; raise awareness of Ireland as a source of world-class products and services; enhance the profile of Enterprise Ireland client companies already operating in these markets and assist early-stage clients to access opportunities in Brazil and Mexico. 

For further information contact:

Ciara O'Mahony, Press Officer, Enterprise Ireland: + 353 87 2043435

Roisin McCann, Press Officer, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: + 353 1 6312222