Minister Martin Announces New Enterprise Ireland Office in Mexico

by Philip Morton, Investors Offshore.com

29 January 2008

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Micheál Martin on Monday announced the opening of Enterprise Ireland’s 2nd Latin American office in Mexico City, and revealed that 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 follows on from the opening in 2007 of Enterprise Ireland’s first Latin American Office in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Minister Martin stated that:

“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."

He continued: “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 6% in 2006 to EUR62.6m."

“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," he concluded.

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

“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 EUR1.3bn with the Americas region.”

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