Pictured (L-R): Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Callie Woodward, Director Continuous Improvement Tim Hortons, Minister Richard Bruton TD, John Whelton, VP North American Operations Leading Edge Group

30 Irish companies participated in the recent Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Canada led by Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. The aim of the trade mission was to cement existing business and open new doors for increased trade between Ireland and Canada.

Exports to Canada by Enterprise Ireland clients rose by 19% to €224m in 2011. Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland commented: ’Canada is an extremely important market for Irish companies, and the expected 20% growth in exports to Canada by Enterprise Ireland client companies in 2012 clearly demonstrates that there are significant, tangible opportunities for increased trade and partnerships between Irish and Canadian companies.’

The clients came from a variety of sectors including mobile, telecoms and financial software, infrastructure, business process outsourcing, agri-tech, consumer products, and education services.

Speaking following his return to Ireland Minister Bruton said:
“Central to the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise. Indigenous exporting companies currently directly and indirectly employ over 300,000 people in Ireland. If we are to create the jobs and growth we need we must build on this to improve the performance of our domestic industries, and through the Action Plan for Jobs we are providing a range of improved supports to help achieve this.

“The intensive programme of trade and investment missions which I – along with many other Ministers – have led since taking office is a major part of this. The 30 companies who accompanied us on this mission to Canada have seen significant benefits in terms of new business won and new contacts made which will lead directly to increases in exports and ultimately more jobs in Ireland. Through continued strong implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs I am determined to ensure that we can continue our strong export performance, create a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise and create the jobs we need”.

Click here for details of all the participating companies