After more than 15 years conducting trade missions all over the globe, Enterprise Ireland organised a “Trade Mission in Ireland” covering Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway over a two day period 27-28th November 2014. Led by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Richard Bruton, more than 230 companies participated under the Global Sourcing initiative with the objectives of recognising the strong links that exist between multinationals and their Irish supplier base and increasing the level of activity and interactions between the two groups.

Organised by the Enterprise Ireland Global Sourcing team with support from colleagues in IDA Ireland, the mission covered a wide range of activities including sales pitches to multi-national corporations (MNCs) by Enterprise Ireland clients, networking breakfast and lunches and speed dating events in Dublin Cork and Galway.

The participants also heard from speakers and panellists from companies such as Creganna, Accenture, DataHug and Biotector Analytical who gave tips on dealing with the challenges and opportunities selling into MNCs in Ireland.

The mission covered market sectors such as Web 2.0, Pharma, Biotech, Medical Devices, Engineering and ICT taking full advantage of key global players in these sectors having their operations in Ireland. It was obvious to all that these MNCs were very impressed at the quality of products and services that Irish companies had to offer. In addition, it allowed many Irish companies an opportunity to introduce their innovative capabilities and solutions direct to MNC procurement teams for the first time.

Initial feedback from the mission suggests that this will become an annual event. However, Global Sourcing, which is an initiative under the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, are working year round to make introductions between Enterprise Ireland clients and MNCs in Ireland so feel free to contact the team here in Dublin anytime.