Minister Costello leads Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Qatar and Oman

Speaking before his departure Minister Costello said:

‘This trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland in close cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassies of Ireland accredited to Qatar and Oman, is an important opportunity to explore new commercial prospects and build on the already strong links that Ireland and Irish companies have in this region. Strong exporting Irish companies are critical to maintaining the economic growth we are witnessing across the country.

Enterprise Ireland trade missions are an essential part of sustaining this export growth, helping open up market access for Irish goods and building the business networks that are so critical to international business.

Growth in trade and investment resulting from these missions supports jobs in Ireland and is an essential part of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs.'

The three-day trade mission to Qatar and Oman is focused on key sectors in these markets where Irish companies have particularly strong capabilities – higher education, telecommunications, life sciences, construction and engineering, and water/waste water. This is the first Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Oman.

Minister Costello will have a series of high level business engagements supporting the Irish companies’ drive in these markets. He will also have a number of political engagements where bilateral and other issues of relevance, including human rights, will be raised, as well as meetings with representatives of the Irish business community.

In line with Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, the trade mission provides a key foundation on which to strengthen economic, political and cultural links with Qatar and Oman. This mission, which follows a major trade mission led by an Taoiseach to the Gulf region in January, will facilitate practical relationship building for Enterprise Ireland client companies with their current and prospective counterparts in the region, as well as raising the profile of Ireland at the highest levels of Government in the two countries. It is a strong platform to promote Ireland and its companies as strategic partners across multiple sectors and will demonstrate how Enterprise Ireland can act as a conduit to those world class goods and services.

Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager with Enterprise Ireland, who is accompanying Minister Costello on the trade mission, added:

‘Enterprise Ireland trade missions, 18 of which are being undertaken this year, are all about helping our client companies grow their exports sales, sustaining and creating new jobs throughout Ireland.

Markets such as Qatar and Oman are particular targets, where we can build on our existing strengths and at the same time lay the ground work for further new export opportunities. We have increased the number of Ministerial-led trade missions over the past two years and the intensive series of meetings and events that are part of every trade mission continue to play a critical role in supporting Irish companies grow their international business’.