Irish Business Makes Inroads Into Middle East

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

25 January 2007

A number of key deals reached during a top level trade mission to the Middle East show that Ireland means business in the Gulf region, according to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin.

"During the mission we have seen 25 significant agreements reached which will pave the way for major trade between Ireland and the entire region over the coming years," Martin said.

"In Dubai we have seen Cork Firm Audit Diagnostics opening a sales office, and concluding a EUR5 million (US$6.5 million) deal with customers in Iran. Outsourcing firm Abtran is in the closing stages of a deal to provide a base in the region which will serve a number of clients, including European Governments," he added.

The Minister continued, revealing that architecture firm McNally Design has opened its office in the Emirate during the mission to serve the EUR30 million in contracts it has secured.

"The mission has shown that there are opportunities for a wide range of Irish firms and organisations in the Middle East. The teaming up of Dublin Fire Brigade, the Royal College of Surgeons and Valentia Technologies to pioneer a high tech ambulance service in Dubai shows the opportunities that exist," Martin noted.

The trade mission was also notable for the opening of the first 100% Irish owned office in Saudi Arabia by telecoms firm Vilicom, described by Martin as "a key landmark, which I hope will pave the way for other Irish firms".

"During the trip the Taoiseach and I met the Governments of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the highest level. They are keen to do business with Ireland and want us to play an important role in the development of their countries," Martin stated.

Following from this mission, one of the largest to leave Ireland, I will be encouraging other firms to examine the possibility of doing business in the region", concluded the Minister.

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