I visited Dublin a few weeks ago at an exciting time for UK /Ireland relations. The first ever UK/Irish trade mission was taking place at the Singapore Air Show, demonstrating the value of working together in targeted areas to increase trade with third markets. The two Governments are also gearing up for next month’s annual summit between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister, at which this and other areas of co-operation will be reviewed by the two leaders.
My first stop was to speak at a dinner hosted by our Ambassador for the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO), a group of young CEOs of large Irish companies where I discussed the strengths of the UK business environment and the government’s objectives on EU reform.
It was an early start the next morning to address hundreds of business and Government leaders at the IBEC (Irish CBI) annual conference, where I emphasised the importance of the EU tackling excessive regulation and focused on free trade agreements with third countries. I was also very pleased to have a quick conversation with the Taoiseach before giving my speech, which I was delighted he found the time to stay for.
A whistle-stop tour of key decision-makers and a ‘GREAT’ branded lunch with some of Ireland’s largest investors in the UK followed.
Ireland is the UK’s fifth largest export market, we are their top export market for goods and Ireland is the 11th largest investor in the UK. I was able to see a country that is moving into recovery following its successful exit from its EU-IMF support programme in December. The Irish government predicts robust economic growth from this year onwards, an optimism shared by the IMF.
This visit has got the ball rolling on a series of high level engagements over the next few months, including the Irish President’s Inward State visit in April.
I look forward to returning to Dublin in the future. With the city home to thousands of Celtic supporters, I was certainly in good company.
If your company is looking to take that first step into Ireland, contact UKTI. Our staff in offices around the UK, and in the British Embassy in Dublin, can help identify the business opportunities that are waiting for you, and they will work hard to win you business.