A breakfast seminar on technology and communications at Microsoft was held today by the the Irish Exporters Association’s Africa Business Forum.
 
Microsoft is the largest exporting company by turnover according to the Irish Exporters Association Top 250 publication released last week. 
 
The event attracted 60 exporters and service providers who came together for best practice examples and an overview on the practical issues facing companies seeking to increase trade with Africa and how technology and communications can help them.

The seminar included case studies and presentations from Microsoft, Barclays and BCM Business Cost Management. 
 
Chairman of the Africa Business Forum, Sean Finlay commented, "A recent report by Barclays outlines the significant potential for Irish exporters in sub-Saharan Africa. The Barclays Africa Trade Index reveals that trade between Ireland and Africa grew by 43% to €1.4 Bn over five years to 2013. 

"The Barclays Report identified five “sleeping giant” economies – Ethiopia, DR Congo, Mozambique, Ghana and Tanzania – as key targets for growth. IEA acknowledges the generous sharing of experience by Microsoft, Ireland’s leading exporter, BCM and Barclays at today’s Seminar.“
 
The Africa Business Forum is an initiative of the Irish Exporters Association and partners PwC and Emerald Freight Express. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie