Record exports for EI-supported companies as agency gets Cork back to work – Collins

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has commended the work of Enterprise Ireland (EI) whose client companies have recorded exports for 2012 of €16.2 billion; the highest ever export figure recorded by EI-supported companies.

Deputy Collins said the hard work and efforts of EI is bearing fruit on the ground with the agency now creating thousands of jobs in Cork over the past two years.

“The export potential of Irish companies is phenomenal and with the world economy expected to grow by 3.3 per cent this year, the efforts of EI in helping client companies to win business is set to reap future rewards.

“For the first time ever, EI has broken the €16 billion figure for client companies’ exports. This, despite the challenging domestic and global environment in which companies are operating. Sectors that recorded the greatest gains include software and medical devices, both of which were targeted for development through the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs.

“Recent figures outline the impact that EI’s efforts are having in practical terms in getting the people of Cork back to work. Following net job losses of 3,117 by EI-supported companies in Cork between 2008-2010, the agency recorded a net increase in the number of jobs in the county of 2,218 over the last two years (2011-2012).

“Getting our people back to work and assisting them to deal with unsustainable debts acquired during the boom are key priorities of this Government. This will allow everyone to play a part in Ireland’s economic recovery and renewal. Our Ministers are undertaking record numbers of trade missions in a bid to tell the world that Ireland is open for business and that we have an awful lot to offer. That message is starting to sink home as international companies establish and develop operations here and begin importing irish goods and services which allow the jobs we so badly need to be created at home.

“The regions that have shown tremendous growth potential over the last year include Latin America (24%), North America (20%) and Asia Pacific (17%). We will continue to seek the best ways to assist our indigenous companies to develop overseas and to reach their full potential when dealing with foreign markets. I commend everyone at EI for their success to date and look forward to building on this into the future.”
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