Bruton leads France trade mission
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton is leading 36 firms on a trade mission to France to build on the €10bn of exports to the country.
The three-day venture is aimed at building on momentum which has seen business with France enjoy strong growth.
Mr Bruton said the trip, which will include business meetings across Paris and Brittany, was about opening new doors.
“Two-way trade between Ireland and France is currently running at record levels and there is a clear opportunity for further substantial growth over the next three years,” he said.
“France is now Ireland’s fourth largest export market and the third largest market for Irish-owned SME exports.”
Some of the Irish companies travelling to France have a particular focus in agri-technology and the cleantech sectors.
The Department of Enterprise said exports of Irish-owned companies to France have been experiencing strong growth – 14% in 2011 – and total Irish exports to France are now worth €10bn a year.
