February 15, 2011
By Staff Reporter
A large contingent of U.S. business decision-makers will be participating in the “1998 Business Opportunities in Ireland” trade mission beginning Sunday, June 21, according to Patrick J. Keogh, president/CEO of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. which is conducting the trip.
“It is particularly fitting that so many top corporate executives and professionals will make up this year’s business conference in Ireland as ICCUSA celebrates the 10th anniversary of its founding,” Keough said.
ICCUSA chairman Michael T. Reddy, chairman/CEO of EDS’ Global Securities Industry Group, will be leading the U.S. delegation. He said that conference attendees will have a firsthand look at the climate for even greater economic development opportunities in Ireland following the recently affirmed peace agreement.
The group will be going to Belfast and Dublin for meetings and briefings with government officials and representatives of U.S. firms that have been operating successfully in Ireland. There are more than 500 American-owned companies that have established facilities in Ireland in the last several years.
“These enterprising businesses have already experienced – and benefitted from – the auspicious environment created in Ireland,” Reddy said.
In addition to panel sessions designed to explore investment opportunities in Ireland, the expanding market for U.S. exports and ways in which American firms can make use of Ireland as the “gateway” to the tariff-free European marketplace, conference members will learn how Ireland’s already confirmed entrance to the European Monetary Union with its common currency, the euro, will affect future economic development.
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Also, an ICCUSA anniversary banquet will be held at the Kildare Hotel and Country Club. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will be the guest of honor. The evening’s host be Michael Smurfit, CEO of Jefferson Smurfit Group.
A reception has also been scheduled at Belfast’s Hillsborough Castle, hosted by British Northern Secretary Mo Mowlam.
Information about the “1998 Business Opportunities in Ireland” conference may be obtained by contacting ICCUSA headquarters at (203) 255-4774.