Ahern Launches Global Forum Initiatives In Asia

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D. has announced funding of €135,000 towards a new Farmleigh Fellowship Program.

The program will provide twenty-five Irish participants with an opportunity to work in Asia for four months, and to participate in a joint MSc degree in Asian Business Management from UCC and Nanyang Business School in Singapore.  

The project has been developed by a number of Singapore-based businesspeople who were present at the Global Irish Economic Forum, as a response to the emphasis expressed at Farmleigh on the need for Irish businesses to increase their knowledge of, access to, and participation in, Asian markets  

It is expected to begin in October 2010.  Work is also ongoing on a separate initiative aimed at establishing an Overseas Graduate Placement Program.  

Speaking at the first meeting of the Asian-based members of the Global Irish Network at Expo Shanghai, the Minister welcomed the initiative as a further demonstration of the positive practical impact of last year's Forum.  

Minister Martin said that the project "provided an innovative model through which the next generation of Irish businesspeople can take advantage of the enormous opportunities that exist in Asia. 

"I am deeply grateful to the members of the Network based in Singapore for taking forward the work begun at Farmleigh, and demonstrating how Ireland and its Diaspora can work productively together." 

The Minister emphasised that "the success of the Global Irish Economic Forum has had a transformative impact on Ireland's relationship with leading members of the Irish Diaspora. 

"Extensive efforts have been taken by the Government and the private sector to advance the various initiatives that emerged from its deliberations, and to further enhance the practical connections between the Irish at home and abroad.  

"The detailed Progress Report published published in March  contains specific updates in respect of a wide range of initiatives that have been taken since the Forum in areas as diverse as innovation; greentech; Diaspora engagement; culture, financial services; tourism, energy and food.

"As part of this follow up process, the Government has also provided funding of $3.4 million for a landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York, and over $250,000 for the Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley."

The establishment of the new Global Irish Network in February provides an important mechanism for building on the work begun at Farmleigh.

Minister Ahern continued, "The Network includes some of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad and provides Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards our economic recovery.

"I am convinced that this direct access to key private-sector decision makers across the globe has the potential to deliver real, tangible economic benefits for the Irish at home and abroad."

The meeting in Shanghai follows successful meetings earlier this year in Britain, France, Germany and the UAE. 

Participants at these meetings have all underlined the galvanising effect the Global Irish Economic Forum has had on the leading members of the Irish Diaspora.

During his visit to Shanghai, the Minister also announced funding under the Emigrant Support Programme for Ireland-Japan Chamber of Commerce (c. €12,000); the Irish Network China (c. €1,100) and Le Chéile, Shanghai (c. €5,597).