Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Swiss market

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The Swiss market is attractive to Irish exporters for numerous reasons, including its high purchasing power and good payment habits.

If you are considering doing business in Switzerland, please be sure to explore our ten tips to enter the market below and also be sure to reach out to our dedicated team. 

  • Expect 18-24 months timeline for market penetration in this region
  • Familiarise yourself with the various cultures and languages in Switzerland. With some regions speaking either German, French or Italian. The business culture and etiquette also differs between said regions, which should influence your approach.
  • Speaking English is usually not a problem for the Swiss, however, having technical materials available in the local language is very important.
  • Switzerland is a federal country of 26 cantons. Legal regulations, taxes and other differences may occur between different states and this must be accounted for when planning business there.
  • The Swiss are early adopters of innovative products and services. However, expect to be thoroughly vetted and asked to provide proof of any claims you make.
  • Switzerland is not an EU-member but very closely aligned with the EU. It also has it’s own currency, the Swiss franc, which will have an exchange rate against the euro.
  • The Swiss are long-term planners and as such a commitment to the market goes a long way. This may be in the form of a local GmbH entity, a .ch web address available in local languages or regular attendance at trade fairs in your sector of interest.
  • Switzerland is a very-high income country, known for its quality of exports and as such are more likely to choose high-price and sophisticated suppliers as opposed to the cheapest.
  • Switzerland is home to many multinationals’ European Headquarters, particularly in the Life Sciences and Banking sectors.
  • Many Irish firms are already active in Switzerland thanks to EI assistance, contact the local Manager who will be delighted to guide you in entering the Swiss market.

Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping Irish firms succeed in global markets and have industry experts on hand, ready to help you access the Swiss market.

Our Market Advisors are always available to support you and provide business expertise and on-the-ground knowledge.

For more, download our Going Global Guide

If you would like to know what to prepare ahead of your first MA call, click the graphic below

Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Canadian market

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Canada is the tenth-largest economy in the world and Ireland’s 7th biggest trade partner outside the EU

If you are considering doing business in Canada, please be sure to reach out to our team in Toronto.

  • Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world with 10 Provinces and 3 Territories – companies approaching the market often have to think region by region in sourcing distribution, identifying partners, winning customers and setting-up beachhead sales operations.
  • Canada is officially a bilingual country which means many products and services must offer English and French to participate in procurement or Request for Proposal processes – for example, there are strict bilingual labelling requirements across Canada and which are not just confined to French-speaking Quebec.
  • While Canada is often seen as an excellent proving ground and valuable reference site for the wider North America market, it is crucial to display knowledge and responsiveness to the distinct needs of Canadian customers, local regulatory requirements and differences in business practice, something which applies to the complex, multi-stakeholder buying processes we see in the Healthcare and Telco sectors.
  • The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a trade deal between Canada and the EU which reduces friction for Irish companies doing business in Canada – 99% of tariffs no longer apply for physical goods which is a real cost saving for the apparel, engineering and construction sectors among others.
  • Canadians prefer to work with a company that has already established a presence in the market. The importance of demonstrating local presence can be an important way to gain trust and to reassure potential customers of the availability of your on-going support. Canada is a welcoming country when it comes to entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, including from Ireland, and is, as a result, attracting significant business to tech hubs such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.

Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping Irish firms succeed in global markets and have experts on hand, ready to help you access the Canadian market.

Our Market Advisors are always available to support you and provide business expertise and on-the-ground knowledge.

For more, download our Going Global Guide

If you would like to know what to prepare ahead of your first MA call, click the graphic below

Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Japanese market

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The Japanese market is a rewarding one for products and services, with ample opportunities for export-ready Irish firms.

If you are considering doing business in Japan, please be sure to explore our ten tips to enter the market below and also be sure to reach out to our team in Toyoko.

 

  • Japan is open to world-class innovation and technology from Irish companies that have a clear and validated market fit for Japan.
  • The starting point for Japan is good market research, which if positive, can be further validated by visiting or having representation on the ground.
  • Irish companies that can offer innovative niche solutions coupled with a very customised and committed approach tend to succeed.
  • Digital, Fintech/Financial Services, Life Sciences, Renewable Energy and Industrial Applications are broad areas with growth potential.
  • A high level of patient care combined with the growing elderly population makes Japan an attractive end-market for medical device companies particularly those with strong diagnostic or finished device offerings.
  • Major policy changes in Japan’s financial sector, along with the heretofore strong growth in inbound tourism, has opened doors for Irish Fintech payment companies.
  • A push towards renewable energy sources along with the Japanese Government’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme, provides opportunities for innovative offerings in the energy sector.
  • Business decisions in Japan generally take much longer than Irish businesspeople are used to.
  • It is important to visit Japan regularly in the initial stages to build an understanding of the market.
  • Depending on the nature of the business, aiming for in-market representation in the longer-term tends to be a key success fact.
  • Japan is a demanding market for Irish exporters but one that offers the twin rewards of market scale and customer loyalty.

Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping Irish firms succeed in global markets and have industry experts on hand, ready to help you access the Japanese market.

Our Market Advisors are always available to support you and provide business expertise and on-the-ground knowledge.

For more, download our going global guide

If you would like to know what to prepare ahead of your first MA call, click the graphic below

Industry Bulletin – Agritech & Machinery Dealership view

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Reporting from across world markets, Enterprise Ireland’s Agritech Market Advisors have compiled this buyer sentiment update consisting of case studies from importers, distributors and leading dealerships of agricultural equipment.

As part of our Market Watch series, we have interviewed 23 companies to provide first-hand updates of the situation on the ground in key regions across the world.

Read the full report.

Market Watch – A view from Manchester

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Key Takeaways

• The UK is the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients
• The North West of England has been growing at a faster rate than London in recent years.
• The Manchester office for Enterprise Ireland opened in 2019 and is providing support for many Irish firms operating into and in the region.
• Despite Covid and Brexit, business is still moving.
• There are opportunities for Irish companies in many areas including construction, healthcare, digital technology, and life sciences
• Irish companies may also achieve contracts with local authorities

As our closest neighbour, the UK has long been a crucial trading partner for Ireland and as one of the fastest growing regions of the country, the North West of England was the obvious choice for Enterprise Ireland to open up a second UK office last year.

Headed up by Laura Brocklebank and her colleague Kevin Fennelly, the Manchester branch focuses on opportunities for Irish clients in manufacturing – covering areas such as pharmaceutical and food and drink as well as paper, print and packaging. It is also leading on UK local authorities with major spending budgets across infrastructure, transport, healthcare and more.

“The UK is the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland clients, which, despite the challenges of Brexit, grew 2% to €7.9 billion in 2019, with all non-food sectors recording growth of 6%,” says the senior marketing advisor.”

And the market continued to perform strongly in spite of uncertainty, demonstrating that client companies have remained committed to the UK market and its short/medium-term growth potential.

“Adding to this, the north west of England is a particularly dynamic region which actually grew at a faster rate than London in recent years – in fact, if it were a country, it would be the 12th largest economy in Europe. And this was the key driver for Enterprise Ireland when selecting Manchester to locate its new office last year.”

Brocklebank says the Greater Manchester region alone is the size of the Irish market and the combined authorities of Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, North of Tyne, Sheffield City Region and Tees Valley have devolved powers which means that decision-making powers and funding are transferred from Westminster to these regions.

“The UK remains a key first export market for Irish industry to enable them to innovate and diversify and for these reasons, many Irish companies look to the North of England to set up a presence in the UK and it is often their first overseas presence,” she says.

“Our Manchester team focuses on opportunities in manufacturing, along with partnerships with UK local authorities who have major spending budgets. We collaborate extensively with our London office and work as one team with our 20 colleagues who are specialists in various sectors including Construction, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Digital Technologies, Cleantech and Renewables – all of which are of strategic importance and opportunity across the region. In effect, we are also the eyes and ears on the ground for our colleagues leading these sectors.

“As the North of England is traditionally the industrial heartlands of the UK, having a base here shows our commitment to the region and we are attuned to the needs of Irish companies, which are active all across the area.”

Accessibility is key and the Irish Sea has long been an important link between the UK and Ireland. So as the Port of Liverpool has submitted a bid to become established as a UK freeport, the regional lead says this could provide an opportunity for Irish companies with relevant smart ports solutions and automated and high-tech solutions which facilitate maritime trade and logistics.

“Ireland’s strong marine and civil engineering companies will be keen to collaborate with UK partners in the North West to help facilitate the necessary infrastructural upgrades required to cater for increased trading and customs realities,” she says.

“In addition, over the past number of years the area has experienced a boom in new building and infrastructure projects and there are many Irish companies leading in the Construction sector – John Sisk & Son have created a major landmark with Manchester’s Circle Square Affinity Living Project, ESS Modular opened their Manchester office in July 2020, having completed a number of projects in Leeds and Oldham, and have a current project with North Manchester General Hospital. And Techrete’s architectural precast concrete cladding can be seen on the iconic One and Two St. Peter’s Square.”

Manchester is also home to a fast-growing £5 billion digital ecosystem and has been officially ranked as the UK’s Top Digital Tech City, while Newcastle became Smart City of the Year 2019 for its innovative approach in using technology to help transform services and improve the lives of residents.

The marketing expert says there is a lot happening in the region which could provide opportunities for Irish firms.

“Digital tech company, Gamma Location Intelligence has recently opened their first overseas office in Manchester as they expand into the UK, having established in Ireland in 1993,” she says. “They have become a market leader in the provision of location intelligence systems and services which drive innovation across many sectors including insurance and retail, focusing heavily on cutting-edge research and development projects, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

“And in October 2020, VRAI, a data driven VR stimulation training for high hazard environments, announced their expansion into the UK with their first overseas office in Gateshead’s PROTO Centre, the UK’s immersive technology cluster.

“There are also opportunities for Irish businesses who can support local authorities in digital transformation, smart cities, connectivity, transport, housing, infrastructure, roads and highways and adult and social care. And a great example of this is SilverCloud which works with Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, providing support for those who may be feeling stressed and anxious due to the current pandemic.”

Of course, there are still some challenges, with uncertainty surrounding both Covid-19 and Brexit but the UK will continue to be an important and attractive market for Irish enterprise.

“Earlier this month, we had a rich and productive meeting with Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotherham, to discuss and agree the strongly aligned sectors of which Enterprise Ireland clients have strong supply chain capability,” says Brocklebank. “So we are looking forward to further collaboration and to have deeper engagement across these sectors.

“Enterprise Ireland also warmly welcomes the announcement of a new Consulate General for the North of England and we are looking forward to working together to strengthen Ireland’s presence in the region.”

To learn more about UK opportunities see the Evolve UK page here 

Key questions to ask at your Canadian Market Advisor meeting

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Canada is an affluent, high-tech industrial society with a market-oriented economy, low inflation and high living standards and has recently strengthened its close trading relationship with Ireland.

If you are considering doing business in Canada, your first step should be a call with our team in Toronto.

    The questions below were designed to help Irish businesses get the best out of their first Market Advisor call

    • What should I be aware of as I start to think about exporting to Canada?
    • Do I need to localise my products or services for Canada in any way?
    • Are there any differences between Canada and the USA market?
    • Is there a trade deal or are there any trading barriers I should be aware of?
    • Do I need a local presence and is it easy to establish one?

    Set up a call with our team in Toronto today and also check out our Going Global Guide.

     

    Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Canadian market can be viewed by clicking the graphic below.

    PIXAPP – Shedding light on PIC packaging

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    “PIXAPP is more than just a project; like all Horizon support I look at it as seed funding to grow your activity.”

    Professor Peter O’Brien, Director of PIXAPP Photonics Packaging Pilot Line Horizon 2020 open call project

    Overview:

    • Tyndall National Institute in Cork is leading an international consortium that is establishing ‘best in class’ photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging technologies
    • The PIXAPP project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
    • The European Commission has recognised PIXAPP as a flagship pilot manufacturing capability in Europe.

    Photonics is the future. In devices ranging from hand-held cardiovascular monitors to self-drive cars, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are revolutionising technology, enabling significantly higher capacity and speed of data transmission.

    Its huge potential to address socio-economic challenges in areas such as communications, healthcare and security, has led the European Commission to invest heavily in programmes to advance PIC technologies. But with most developments focusing on the PIC chips, the challenge now relates to packaging, that is, connecting the chips to the real world though optical fibres, micro-optics and electronic control devices.

    To address the challenge, a €15.5m project, involving 18 partners and led by the Tyndall National Institute in Cork, has established the world’s first open access PIC assembly and packaging manufacturing line, PIXAPP.

    “The assembly and packaging challenges are considerable and it’s hugely expensive for manufacturers. PIXAPP provides a single point of contact, the Gateway, at Tyndall, through which businesses can access expertise in industrial and research organisations across Europe to translate their requirements into the best packaging solution. It’s a major step forward to enable the conversion of R&D results into innovative products,” explains Professor Peter O’Brien, co-ordinator of the Horizon 2020-funded PIXAPP pilot line.

    The importance of sustainability 

    When PIXAPP started in 2016, the ability to package PICs was dispersed across several European companies and institutions, each of which could only do a few steps in the process.

    “Our aim was to make a diversified, distributed pilot line, which meant coming up with a common language of design, materials and equipment standards that could seamlessly move across different countries.” says O’Brien.

    With PIXAPP due to end in October 2021, the issue of sustainability is key to ensuring progress in the area of PIC packaging continues.

    “One of the key things we had to show in our Horizon 2020 proposal was a sustainability plan. We can’t just walk away after four years. We’re now engaged with over 120 companies around the world and many of them are gearing up to do the whole packaging process themselves, working with the technology standards we’ve developed.

    “Ultimately, that’s what success looks like for us, where we can step back and industry takes on the high volume packaging work. There are still risks involved for companies but we can help reduce those by sharing or advising on equipment and we can train their engineers, which is an important part of what we’re doing.”

    O’Brien’s team has also secured funding from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund, which will help with regional sustainability.

    “When we got the DTIF funding the Commission was delighted because that’s the kind of regional investment they want to see,” says O’Brien.

    Insights for Horizon 2020 success 

    Applying for Horizon 2020 support can be daunting but O’Brien has extensive experience and offers some insights.

    The key to a successful proposal is addressing the call requirements, in terms of scientific excellence, impact from project results including dissemination and structure of the workplan. It is also important to ensure the proposal reads as one document, rather than a large number of small documents complied by partners into a single proposal. Ideally, the coordinator should write the full proposal, taking input from all partners. This will ensure the proposal has one voice, making it easy for reviewers to read, understand and enjoy.

     “Enterprise Ireland gave us support to write the proposal and it’s important to use their expertise as well,” says O’Brien.

    The right partners are also central to success.

    “You need to have partners that you trust and who trust you, so you have a shared vision, and you need to work with them well in advance; don’t form consortia based on a call. Our funding success is is high, and we like to work with the familiar partners but it’s also exciting to work with new partners who can bring new technologies and insights. Spending time out of the lab meeting partners, including new partners is important. Visits to Brussels to are also important to stay ahead of upcoming calls and as a central location or HQ to meet partners and future collaborators.”

    Tyndall’ photonics packaging group is currently involved in 15 European projects and has recently participated in €19m project for a new Photonics Innovation Hub called Photon Hub Europe.

    O’Brien also feels strongly that projects should not be seen in isolation.

    “All our projects are strategically aligned so we’re leveraging capabilities from one project to another. A focus on your core technical capabilities is important. And it’s a continuous thing. You have to keep working on proposals, stay up to speed, don’t dip in and out.

    “The big benefit of being involved in Horizon projects is the contacts networks and the relationships that you make. You should think of the funding as seed funding to grow your activity. I don’t like the word project, because that suggests it’s done when it’s done. I think the Commission likes to think that every project is seeding something else much bigger.”

    For advice or further information about applying for Horizon 2020 support please contact HorizonSupport@enterprise-ireland.com or consult www.horizoneurope.ie

     

    Key questions to ask at your Vietnamese Market Advisor meeting

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    Successfully selling into the Vietnamese market earns you credibility internationally and can be a gateway to many other overseas markets.

    If you are considering doing business in Vietnam, your first step should be a call with our team in Vietnam.

      The questions below were designed to help Irish businesses get the best out of their first Market Advisor call

      • How does the market look like for my products/services?
      • Is there a demand for my products/services?
      • Who are the key players existing in the market? Competitor analysis?
      • What is the usual route to export to Vietnam?
      • What is the business culture like in Vietnam?

      Set up a call with our dedicated team today, and be sure to check out the Going Global Guide 

       

      Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Vietnamese market can be viewed by clicking the graphic below.

      Market Watch Construction

      Market Watch – Construction – Industry Bulletin no.3

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      The third global market bulletin for the construction sector features updates from Enterprise Ireland’s overseas market advisors across four continents.

      As the sector unlocks and construction sites reopen, this report provides a snapshot summary of insights for companies working in the international construction industry.

      Supporting Regional Development Critical To Future Jobs Growth

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      Resilience is a word we became used to in 2020 and it is an apt term to describe how Irish business responded to the dual challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the end of the Brexit transition period.

      For thousands of businesses across Ireland, and their staff, it has been a tough, challenging year marked by disruption and uncertainty. But what has been remarkable is how Irish businesses have responded to the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit.

      At Enterprise Ireland we work closely with the Irish manufacturing, export and internationally traded services sector.  We invest in established companies and start-ups, we assist companies to begin exporting or expand into new markets and we back research and development projects creating future jobs.

      This week we launched our annual review for 2020.  The good news is that the companies we are proud to support employ more than 220,000 in Ireland.  Despite the challenges faced in last year, nearly 16,500 new jobs were created, closely mirroring the 2019 outturn.

      However, job losses were significantly higher than in previous years, resulting in a net reduction of 872 jobs across the companies we support.

      There is no sugar coating the fact that it was a tough year for business.  However, behind these statistics are individual stories of companies taking brave decisions to change their business model, reimagine their product offering and find new ways of doing business and connecting with customers to trade through the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit.

      Enterprise Ireland has worked with these companies throughout the year to ensure viable companies have the liquidity, supports and advice they need to trade, and importantly, to sustain jobs.

      Enterprise Ireland supported companies have a key role in the Irish economy.  65% of employment is outside the Dublin region and these indigenous Irish companies, many of which are world leaders in their field, are critical to delivering balanced regional economic development.

      Powering the Regions is Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for regional development.  It outlines specific plans for each region in the country, drawing on their existing enterprise base, their connections with third level institutions and their unique potential for growth.

      The strategy is backed significant funding.  This time last year more than €40m was allocated, in a competitive call, to 26 projects fostering regional entrepreneurship and job creation.

      These included the Future Mobility Campus Ireland, based in Clare, which explores the potential of autonomous, connected and electric vehicles, UCDNova’s Ag Tech innovation centre in Kildare and the Clermont Hub in Wicklow which focuses on content creation and draws on the region’s established film and audio/visual track record.  The 26 projects were supported under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which has seen €100m invested in similar projects since 2017.

      Given the potential impact of Brexit, particularly in the Border region, 11 similar projects designed to cluster expertise and innovation were supported with €17m in support under the Border Enterprise Development Fund in 2020.

      These were strategic initiatives, closely linked to government regional policy, with a medium to long-term focus on supporting regional enterprise.

      However, due to Covid-19, Enterprise Ireland moved last year to provide more agile interventions to regional businesses assist them to reset and recover.

      Ensuring that viable companies had the access to finance was an important necessity.  Through the government-backed ‘Sustaining Enterprise Scheme’ Enterprise Ireland allocated €124m last year to support more than 400 companies employing more than 10,000 people.  The majority of this funding went to regionally based companies.

      Similarly, €8.2m in funding for 95 enterprise centres, which are critical to the start-up ecosystem and future job growth regionally, was made available in September.

      Retail business across Ireland also benefitted from the Online Retail Scheme which saw 330 retailers allocated €11.8m in funding to enhance their online offering, reach new customers and increase sales.

      Through a mix of strategic funding aimed at long-term enterprise development and more agile funding supports Enterprise Ireland has helped to sustain jobs throughout Ireland in 2020.  We’ve also supported those sectors, such as cleantech, construction and life sciences which continued to grow and create jobs last year.

      The pandemic will have lasting effects including how we work and where we work.  Many of these long-term changes can complement strong local and regional economies.  A key element of the Powering The Regions strategy was the potential of remote working and co-working hubs that Enterprise Ireland is committed to developing with our partners.  That potential has been accelerated by the changing work patterns evidenced in the past year. Now, more than ever, having a strategic approach to enterprise development is vital, and Enterprise Ireland looks forward to the role it can play as we recover and build for the future.

      By Mark Christal, Manager, Regions and Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland.

      Key questions to ask at your South Korean Market Advisor meeting

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      South Korea is a large, vibrant economy with a myriad of opportunities for Irish firms.

      If you are considering doing business in South Korea, your first step should be a call with our team in Seoul.

        The questions below were designed to help Irish businesses get the best out of their first Market Advisor call

        • Are there any local regulatory requirements I should be aware of for our goods or services to enter your market?
        • Would my goods/services’ USP still be relevant in your market as in Ireland/other markets?
        • If we were to work with local partners, would they usually require exclusivity from us given the business norm in your market?
        • What would be the timeline, given your experience, of identifying local partners?
        • Should I expect to commit myself to travel to your region to meet with prospective partners/customers in person?

        Set up a call with our team in South Korea today  and also be sure to download our Going Global Guide

        Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the South Korean market can be viewed by clicking the graphic below.

        New African Dawn: Launch of the Continental Free Trade Agreement

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        A new year usually brings with it hope, optimism and new resolutions. The first two weeks of 2021 have however been fraught with the on-going pandemic, Britain’s exit from the EU and increased protectionism and populism around the globe. In marked contrast with this tone, one continent is pushing forward with hope, optimism and new resolutions.

        The first of January 2021 saw the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This milestone agreement strives for greater trade cooperation on the continent. The aim is to bring together 1.3 billion people in a $3.4-trillion economic bloc that will be the largest free trade area since the establishment of the World Trade Organization. This agreement comes into force, with support from 54 of the 55 countries recognised by the African Union (Eritrea being the sole exception) is a hugely positive move.

        The Agreement establishing the AfCFTA was signed in March 2018 and of the 54 Member States of the African Union that have signed, 30 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

        The main objectives of the AfCFTA are to create a single market for goods and services, facilitate the movement of persons, promote industrial development and sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth, and resolve the issue of multiple memberships, in accordance with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The agreement lays a solid foundation for the establishment of a Continental Common Market.

        AfCFTA presents a significant opportunity to boost intra-regional trade as well as increase Africa’s negotiating position on the international stage. Intra-African trade has always been relatively low. In 2019, only 15% of Africa’s $560-billion worth of imports came from the continent – compare this with a figure of 68% in the European Union (UNCTAD).

        In addition, many African nations have struggled to develop better-enabling environments for attracting investment and it should follow that this agreement will help to make the continent an increasingly attractive location for foreign companies seeking to penetrate its huge market potential.

        This landmark agreement is off the starting block but there is much to be negotiated to reach the desired goal of #OneAfricanMarket.

        Under AfCFTA trading, with an aim to eliminate export tariffs on 97% of goods traded on the continent, tariffs on various commodities where rules of origin have been agreed will be drastically reduced and businesses of all sizes will have access to a much bigger market than they used to before. Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade will also be addressed and a mechanism for reporting of NTBs has been put in place (www.tradebarriers.africa).

        In parallel to the AfCFTA, the African Union has also introduced the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.

        Though it will be years before the AfCFTA is fully implemented, the significant steps that have been taken to get the agreement to this point should not be underestimated, particularly in the current difficult global environment. Increasing prosperity on the African continent will ensure that it continues to be a continent of great interest to Irish exporters.

        Enterprise Ireland has been assisting Irish companies to navigate the Sub-Saharan African market through our office in Johannesburg, along with an established and growing network of industry specialists across the continent. Contact us to learn more about the opportunities for your business in this growing export destination.

        Nicola Kelly, Senior Market Advisor, Middle East, Africa & India