Remarks at Enterprise Ireland Business Breakfast
Buenos Aires, 12th October 2012
Damas y caballeros,
Ministro Costello,
Embajador McIntyre,
Amigos de Irlanda y Argentina
Muchas gracias por estar hoy aquí en este Desayuno de Negocios de Enterprise Ireland.
[Thank you for joining us this morning for this Enterprise Ireland Business Breakfast. ]
Como señaló el Ministro Costello, estamos muy contentos de tener una presencia tan fuerte de argentinos que ya están haciendo negocios con Irlanda y de todos los que tienen un claro interés en incrementar este intercambio.
[As Minister Costello has said, we are delighted to have such a strong presence here from people in Argentina who are already engaged in doing business with Ireland, and from those who are clearly interested in doing more.]
I particularly welcome the presence of the Irish State Agencies who have been so instrumental in promoting the healthy growth of trade and business links between Ireland and Argentina, and also to see so many of our key Irish companies here, both those who have already established a strong presence in Argentina, and others who are here to learn about the exciting market opportunities which exist.
Later today at the National Academy of Medicine, at an event hosted by the Argentine Council on Foreign Relations and the OSDE Foundation, I will speak about the deep bonds of history and community which join our two countries. In more modern times, as we seek to sustain and renew our connection, business and educational links are very important channels in the new and vibrant relationship between our two countries. And these links are growing all the time. Trade between Ireland and Argentina has doubled since 2006.
Last year trade between our two countries was valued at €227 million, itself a 38% increase on 2010. I look forward to seeing even greater growth and deeper connections in the future.
A Chairde, Friends, Amigos
We are living through difficult and challenging times. The global economic crisis impacted very severely on Ireland’s economy and many people in Ireland are continuing to experience hardship and difficulty. Yet Ireland and the Irish people have also shown that we have the capacity and inner strength to pull ourselves out of our difficulties and to create a new and better future for ourselves – based on the real economy of people’s creativity and ingenuity; on good and ethical business practices; on restoring a better version of Irishness rooted in the values of human decency and community solidarity; and on the strengths of the networks and friendships which we have built and cultivated down through the years. Last year Ireland returned to growth for the first time since 2007. Although the growth rate is modest, we are hopeful that the seeds for recovery have been sown and that our economy and society will continue to recover and renew itself on a stronger, more ethical and more sustainable basis.
Estoy muy contento de que tantos miembros de la comunidad empresarial argentina esten aquí hoy y quisiera subrayar las ventajas que Irlanda ofrece como lugar para hacer negocios.
[I am very pleased that so many members of the Argentine business community are here today and to you I would like to underline the many advantages which Ireland offers as a place to do business.]
Throughout the global economic crisis, Ireland continued and continues to be a magnet for international inward investment and a model for export led recovery. We are proud to have one of the world’s most highly educated, skilled and productive workforces, with over 50 % of our young people going on to Third Level Education, one of the highest participation rates in the world. Reflecting this attraction, Ireland continues to attract high calibre investment by leading edge investors.
Ireland is home to the European Headquarters of almost 1,000 global companies, including names such as Google, eBay, Intel, and Facebook. It also has:
9 of the world’s top 10 global pharmaceutical companies;
Over 50% of the world’s leading financial services firms; and 10 of the top “Born on the Internet” companies.
Irish Exports, as Minister Costello has mentioned, are enjoying unprecedented growth, showing that even in the current competitive climate, we are still able to offer the world the real goods and services that it wants and requires. As Argentina’s commerce also continues to grow, we are hopeful that our mutual trading relationship will continue to expand proportionately. Our focus is on cultivating a knowledge economy, on providing a robust and ethical regulatory framework in which to conduct business and, working with like minded partners across the world, to become global innovators who deliver a better quality of life for all our people.
I last visited Argentina in 1995 when both our countries and the level of economic activity between us was very different, though I am pleased to see that some of the Irish companies which were just starting out then in Argentina are still here and growing today. Since then, with the dedicated assistance of the Irish State Agencies represented here today such as Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, more and more Irish companies have internationalised their business and become global innovators in their markets.
I am delighted to meet here today Irish people who have moved to Argentina and established successful businesses. Others I know are more recent arrivals, seeking to establish themselves and make a future in this new country, or perhaps, just to spend a few years working, learning and enjoying the culture of a country which has so much to offer before returning to Ireland in the future to share the skills and benefits learnt here.
To all of you, I extend a welcome: Mo bhuíochas daoibh as an bhfáilte agus as an gcuireadh a bheith anseo libh inniu.
This morning I am happy to launch the BA Irish Business Network. The Network will be guided by the Embassy and by the Argentine members of the Global Irish Network, which comprises senior members of the business and social communities throughout the world who have an affinity for Ireland and who have volunteered their time, abilities and efforts to the country with which they have such a strong link.
Anyone who knows the Irish will know that it is part of our instinct to get together and talk and listen to each other. This is one of our great strengths as a people, this making time for each other and seeking out the things that we have in common, while all the time building connections and sharing what is useful with each other. These are the kind of links that have helped Irish diasporic communities flourish and contribute so solidly to their new countries wherever they have gone, while also serving to nurture the connection to the place from which they have come.
This network will then be more than a place to share stories and socialise, though this is also a valued aspect of it. It will be a place where you can share experiences, throw out ideas, hear exciting and innovative speakers, find a mentor, and give back generously to your country of origin and your new and adopted communities here in Buenos Aires. That sense of community and solidarity, which has long been characteristic of Irish life, is a fitting template on which to base this very worthwhile initiative.
I wish the Buenos Aires Irish Business Network, and all who take part in it, every success. As we say in Ireland – Neart an obair – Strength to the Work.
I would like to conclude by thanking you again for joining us today.
Quisiera concluir expresándoles de otra vez mi agradecimiento por estar hoy aquí.
[I would like to conclude by again expressing my appreciation for your presence here today]
Thank you y Muchísimas Gracias .