12 January 2009

ENTERPRISE IRELAND TARGETING SALES GROWTH AND ALLIANCES

An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., is leading the biggest ever Irish trade mission to Japan this week (12-17 January).  He is accompanied by Mr John McGuinness, T.D., Minister for Trade and Commerce, and Mr Brendan Smith, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Enterprise Ireland mission of 70 Irish companies and organisations will visit Tokyo and Osaka and the programme includes high profile networking receptions in both cities, economic and sectoral briefings and sectoral events.

The trade mission underlines Ireland's commitment to developing stronger trade relations with Japan. Its objectives are to raise Japanese awareness of Ireland as a source of innovative and world-class products and services, and to encourage collaboration in research and development between Ireland and Japan. Irish companies will also be seeking to learn from Japan's lean manufacturing practices in order to improve productivity in manufacturing in Ireland.

The Taoiseach said: "The size of the trade mission, the diversity of industry sectors represented and the calibre of Irish companies taking part all testify to the commitment of Irish companies to do more business with Japan. The mission includes many of the key internationally traded sectors in the Irish economy such as information and communication technologies, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technologies, aeronautical, engineering, and financial services, high-value consumer goods, and food.

Every Irish company taking part in the mission has a proven product or service, an international track record and a willingness to invest in building a long-term relationship in this market.

"Although Ireland is the fourth biggest exporter and the biggest exporter per capita to Japan in the EU our bilateral trade is still small at €4.8 billion. Japan is the second largest economy in the world and has played an important role in the global economy over the last forty years. We believe that Japan will become an even more important force over the coming years and we have a strong desire to strengthen our relationship with Japan through collaboration in innovation, trade and investment." The Taoiseach said.

Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland said: "This is an opportune time to examine the potential for a substantial expansion in the number of strategic alliances and joint ventures between Irish and Japanese partners - and a deepening of those that currently exist. There are great opportunities in partnering with Japanese companies and sharing expertise and international market access strategies."

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For more information please contact:

Press Office, Enterprise Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 727 2295

Ciara O'mahony, Press Officer, Enterprise Ireland Tel: 080 2620 0195