Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton visiting the Gulf Region on Trade Mission

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, will today depart for the Gulf where he will lead a large Trade Mission in the Region. He will be accompanied by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD.

The Trade Mission, lasting from 4th to 9th January, will include visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as part of the ongoing efforts to improve international linkages and boost trade and investment.

The Taoiseach will have a series of political and business engagements in each of the three countries. He will also meet with representatives of the Irish communities.

Speaking ahead of the visit the Taoiseach said, “I am delighted to begin 2014, which I have designated as the year of jobs, with a highly focused and ambitious Trade Mission to the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This visit will strengthen our economic, political and cultural ties with these key priority markets for Ireland as well as providing an opportunity to explore new commercial opportunities and build on the strong educational links that exist between Ireland and the Gulf States.

Reflecting the strong focus of the visit on trade, investment and jobs, I will be accompanied by Minister Bruton and close to 90 companies across a range of sectors. I also look forward to meeting some of the recently arrived as well as many of the long standing Irish citizens living and working throughout the Gulf region.”

Minister Bruton said: “The Action Plan for Jobs is aimed at building a sustainable, jobs-rich economy based on exports and enterprise. In order to deliver this we have put in place a range of new measures to support exporters, including doubling the number of trade missions since we took office. The Gulf offers huge opportunities for Irish business and this mission of 87 companies led by the Taoiseach demonstrates our commitment to delivering on that. I look forward to a productive week of work with tangible results for the Irish economy”.

The visit and associated trade mission is expected to improve trade and business opportunities for Irish firms as well as to explore opportunities for greater investment in Ireland from the region. Particular areas of interest include financial services and software, aviation, education, telecommunications, agrifood and construction.