Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond has commenced an Enterprise Ireland led Trade Mission to the Gulf Region.
The three-day trade mission visiting Kuwait City, Riyadh and Jeddah, will focus on enhancing the existing trade links with the region and promoting Ireland as a world-class provider of goods and services across the Aviation, Digital Technology and Consumer sectors.
Major Growth Market
As a major growth market, Enterprise Ireland has had a presence in the GCC (Gulf Cooperative Council) region for over 20 years.
In 2022, Enterprise Ireland client exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increased by 8%.
Irish companies exported €163.5m in goods and services to Saudi Arabia in 2022, making it Enterprise Ireland’s largest trading partner in the MENA region, along with €44.9m in exports to Kuwait.
'Global Aviation Sector'
“The Gulf region offers huge opportunities for exporting Irish SMEs, with over €200m in exports to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia combined in 2022," said Minister Neale Richmond.
"Ireland’s particular strength in the global aviation sector is an impressive success story.
"With a large focus on the aviation sector throughout the Trade Mission, I’m looking forward to promoting Ireland’s capabilities as a global leader in the sector, with the aim of opening up further opportunities for Irish enterprise.”
Clevamamma
During the Kuwait leg of the Trade Mission, the Minister will meet with Enterprise Ireland client company, Clevamamma who are celebrating a partnership with Mothercare (Alshaya Group) in the region since 2017 and ClevaMamas 20th anniversary.
He will also hold meetings with the new national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, RiyadhAir and major airlines and operators in Kuwait.
'Large Economic Ambitions'
“Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have large economic ambitions over the coming years," said Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager for Industrial and Life sciences, with Enterprise Ireland.
"During this Trade Mission Enterprise Ireland, along with our client companies, aims to further showcase the very best of what Irish companies have to offer and to engage with business leaders across this region.”
Source: www.businessworld.ie
