The employer’s body IBEC is joining calls for a yes vote in the forthcoming referendum on the Treaty of Nice.
The Director General of IBEC, Turlough O’Sullivan, says a yes result would open up markets and new export opportunities.
He predicts the move could see our trade expand by up to 30%.
Business groups have come out strongly in favour of enlargement of the EU, with the view that it will open up the emerging markets of Eastern Europe to Irish goods.
Trade unions too have been largely supportive of the treaty.