Minister in Asia to promote Ireland as international financial services hub

Eoghan Murphy's seven-day programme will include launching the IFS Ireland brand in Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.

A delegation of 12 financial services and technology companies will also accompany him to boost trade links.

Speaking ahead of his departure Mr Murphy said: "Launching the IFS Ireland brand in these target markets is a great opportunity to showcase our unique financial services' offerings - our market access, our educated workforce, and the increasing depth and sophistication of our indigenous financial services' sector.

"My aim is to highlight Ireland's capability, global offering and growing reputation as a hub for specialist international financial services. I look forward to building on the excellent work of our embassies and trade agencies to enhance existing links and open up new opportunities in these markets."

The IFS Ireland brand is a key action of the Government's IFS 2020 international financial services strategy. It aims to promote Ireland as a destination to do business, support companies already operating in key Asian markets and add 10,000 jobs to the sector by the end of 2019.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said: "There are currently over 20 Irish companies active in the Asia Pacific region, many with multiple presences across the region. These companies exported more than 115 million euro to this region last year and are forecasting significant growth over the next five years."