Welcoming participants to this years IMW today, Minister Leo Varadkar TD noted the growing confidence by Irish exporters in Ireland’s economic recovery as shown by a recent survey by Enterprise Ireland.

Despite the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, more than half of exporting businesses here have seen their exports increase this year compared to last year . 91% expect to see their sales rise again next year.The key growth markets identified by client​ companies are North America, Europe and the UK.

The survey was carried out ahead of Enterprise Ireland’s International Markets, which will see over 700 companies meet virtually with 140 market advisors from 40 overseas offices, during over 1600 individual meetings over five days.

Speaking at the event, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said;

“It is really encouraging to see our research pointing to business optimism and this is testament to the resilience and performance of Irish exporters despite Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“So far in 2021, we have seen these companies win a total of 965 new contracts and establish 375 new overseas presences against that backdrop of what are still difficult trading conditions.”

“With global recovery, there are significant opportunities for Irish companies to accelerate their growth internationally and International Markets Week will play a critical role in driving this agenda.”

During a Q&A  with Richard Curran, Minister Varadkar noted that Brexit issues will be with us for well into the future, as will cost and competitiveness challenges. He expressed confidence that energy supply problems should be alleviated with the reopening of two natural gas plants later this month.He supported EI’s focus on EU, UK GCC and North American markets , noting recent and forthcoming Trade Missions to those markets.