Noel Dempsey T.D., the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources stressed the many economic similarities between Hong Kong and Ireland, while addressing a breakfast briefing organised by Enterprise Ireland and the Hong Kong Irish Business Forum today.
Minister Dempsey singled out Enterprise Ireland for praise “The work of Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Business Forum here in Hong Kong has made an outstanding contribution to forging the relationships and links between Ireland and Hong Kong. So much so that today 171 Irish owned companies are operating in the region with 17 having a presence in Hong Kong.”
“The Government’s Asia Strategy has set its sights on strengthening and accelerating Ireland’s business investment and trade links with many countries across this continent and it will be the efforts of the Irish Business Forum here in Hong Kong and organisations like it that will make that strategy a success,” said Minister Dempsey.
The Minister noted that “Hong Kong and Ireland both rely heavily on exports and foreign direct investment. Both economies have experienced significant growth and we are now in the business of managing this change to strategic advantage and ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve.”
“Like Hong Kong, trade is Ireland’s business and almost all of the diverse activities of the Irish economy – investment in manufacture and infrastructure, education and training, research and innovation - are ultimately validated in the international market place,” he concluded.
ENDS
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