Tánaiste Leads Largest-Ever Trade Mission To Canada

The mission will include stops in the Canadian cities of Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa, and in the US city of New York.

Some 35 Irish companies will participate on the Canadian leg of the mission from sectors including software, telecoms and financial services, with the aim of growing their exports to Canada and, through that, securing and growing jobs in their enterprises at home.

In New York, where the Tánaiste will meet with various US multinationals, her principal focus will be on attracting new US investment and jobs to Ireland. As she left for the mission the Tánaiste said: "The Canadian economy has shown strength and resilience during the worldwide recession and Canada is a market in which the business potential for Irish companies has not been fully realised.

"There is an excellent fit between Canadian needs and Irish goods and services. High-tech Irish companies such as those participating on this mission continue to pursue trade opportunities right across the business spectrum. This trade mission is taking place to support and endorse those companies in their efforts to expand in the Canadian market, to ensure they continue to grow and create valuable employment back home."

The CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Mr. Frank Ryan, added: "More and more Irish companies are looking at Canada for potential export growth. On average we see ten Irish companies setting up business in Canada every year. Irish products have already received an outstanding reception in Canada in the areas of financial, software solutions, lifesciences and cleantech over recent years. We believe there is significant potential for further growth of Irish exports into this robust market place."

Despite the global economic downturn of the last 18 months, trade between Ireland and Canada has increased. In 2008, bilateral trade totalled €0.76bn, while this year the Irish/Canadian relationship will exceed €0.84bn. More than 222 Irish-owned companies are now selling goods and services in Canada and 45 Irish companies operate 65 offices and facilities in Canada.