Ireland Seeks To Grow Trade Links With Asia

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, Ireland

13 October 2004

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announced a vision this week for Ireland to become a regional trading hub for Asian investment into Europe.

Speaking during his recent tour of south-east Asia, Mr Ahern warned that Ireland can “ill afford to rest on our laurels,” despite the country’s recent economic successes, and must look beyond its traditional markets of Europe and North America.

"We're working on our Asian strategy,” Ahern told reporters following a two-day visit to Malaysia. "We see huge opportunities," he added, singling out China for particular attention due to its “phenomenally fast” rates of economic growth.

Ahern explained that Ireland is keen to add to its reputation as a player in hi-tech industries and is looking to develop opportunities in the bio-technology and life sciences sector.

“We’re looking at niche markets, long-term investments,” he announced.

Ahern also issued an assurance that Ireland will not change the recipe for success that has led to it becoming one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, commenting:

"Our economic policy is successful, so we're not going to change it."

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