Trade Mission to Mexico and Brazil Planned for 2008

The Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Micheál Martin, T.D., today (Monday 28th January 2008) announced the opening of Enterprise Ireland's 2nd Latin American office in Mexico City and said he will lead a major Enterprise Ireland mission to Mexico and Brazil this year. 

The opening of the Mexico office and the May 2008 trade mission is part of Enterprise Ireland's Latin America Strategy and follow on the opening in 2007 of Enterprise Ireland's first Latin American Office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

Minister Martin said:

"Increasing exports in both existing and emerging markets is crucial in sustaining economic growth and wealth creation in Ireland.  As the global economy evolves, the ability and willingness of Irish firms to exploit the prospects offered by emerging markets such as Mexico is central to Ireland's continued export growth.

"Mexico is the 11th largest economy in the world and the second biggest in Latin America after Brazil.  With a population of over 106 million, and a well-educated middle-class with strong purchasing power, Mexico presents a vast market opportunity for Irish firms.

"A number of key sectors such as IT, telecoms, life sciences and education offer great potential in Mexico and match areas of strong capability within the Enterprise Ireland client base.  Some Irish firms are already moving to exploit the opportunities and interest is growing.  Enterprise Ireland client exports to Mexico grew by 6pc in 2006 to €62.6m. 

"Enterprise Ireland and the Government is supporting that endeavor and fostering future growth in the Mexico Market with the opening of this new representative office and with a follow-up trade mission to Mexico and Brazil planned for later this year."

Gerry Murphy, Director, International Sales and Partnering, Enterprise Ireland said:

 "In encouraging Irish firms to take on emerging markets, Enterprise Ireland also aligns its overseas network and international markets' supports to match the evolving needs of Irish firms.  The opening of Enterprise Ireland's Mexico office is the physical demonstration of our solid commitment to support Irish firms as they take on these emerging markets."  

"Enterprise Ireland's Mexico City office provides market intelligence and practical local support for Irish companies expanding into the Mexican market or growing their business there.  In doing so, the new, Mexico office will support the growth of Ireland's exports of over €1.3bn with the Americas region."

About Mexico
Strategically located between the US and South America, Mexico is seen as the ideal gateway into South America. Mexico is the eleventh largest economy in the world and the second biggest economy in Latin America after Brazil.  The Mexican economy is performing strongly with growth at 4.7pc for 2006 - the highest among the Latin American economies. 

In 2006, Enterprise Ireland client exports to Mexico grow by 6pc to €62.2m.  This represented 40pc of total client exports to Latin America making Mexico the single most important market for client companies in the region. 

Enterprise Ireland - Mexico City details:
Services provided to Irish companies by Enterprise Ireland's new Mexico office include:
" Market/competitor analysis
" Identifying distribution channels, target customers and buyers for these clients
" Customised in-market information, itineraries and briefings
" Visitor office facilities
" Access to external market expertise and professional service providers
" Translation and interpretation
" Trade fair participation support

Enterprise Ireland Mexico
Mariano Escobedo 752
12th floor Col. Nueva Anzures
Mexico DF CP 11590
www.enterprise-ireland.com

+52 55 52509311 tel.
+52 155 14730198 mobile

For Further Information please contact:

Ciara O'Mahony
Press Officer
Enterprise Ireland,
Technology House,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.

Tel: +353 (0) 1 808 2284
Mob: +353 (0)87 2043435
E-mail:
Web: www.enterprise-ireland.com
Minister Micheál Martin Announces New Enterprise Ireland Office in Mexico City, Mexico