Delegation on a Swiss mission to grow links

'The delegation to Switzerland consists of more than 20 businesses, and is led by Pat Breen, the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.' Stock photo

Dearbhail McDonald

Irish companies will travel to Switzerland today for a two-day trade mission as the Government targets an additional €5bn of exports by 2020 to mitigate the effects of Brexit.

Enterprise Ireland will also bring trade missions to Spain, Germany and the Netherlands before the end of the year to work towards its targets of delivering 60,000 new jobs.

The delegation to Switzerland consists of more than 20 businesses, and is led by Pat Breen, the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.

It will focus on the Swiss medtech, construction services and agritech sectors.

Mr Breen said the visit is an important initiative to deepen relationships with Switzerland, Ireland's 5th largest merchandising trading partner.

Exports to Switzerland by EI client companies increased by 8pc last year to €330m.

"There are substantial growth opportunities and potential for increased collaboration within the key sectors for innovative and ambitious Irish companies," said Mr Breen.

The minister is scheduled to address more than 100 Swiss and Irish business leaders and attend a 10th anniversary reception for the Swiss Irish Business Network.

Leo McAdams, Enterprise Ireland's international sales and partnering manager, said supporting EI clients' diversification into new markets, particularly within the European Union, is a key priority for the agency post-Brexit.