Minister Joe Costello attends Irish Business Networking Event in Santiago, Chile

Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello T.D. this morning attended an Irish Business Networking Event in Santiago, Chile.  Minister Costello is accompanying President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins on their visit to Chile, Brazil and Argentina.   

Speaking at this morning’s event in Santiago, which was organised by the Irish Embassy to Argentina and Chile, Minister Costello said:

“I welcome the growth in trade and economic links between Ireland and Chile in recent years and look forward to the growing interest by Chilean and Irish companies in expanding their presence in their respective markets. Trade between Ireland and Chile stood at a record €109 million in 2011.

I am delighted that trade between Ireland and Chile increased by 15% in 2011 over 2010 levels.  I believe that Ireland and Chile have much to offer each other.”

Minister Costello drew attention to Ireland’s many economic strengths, stressing Ireland’s strong export performance, continued attraction for inward investment as well as the quality of our education, science and research.  

Chile is regarded as one of the most attractive business locations in Latin America with a favourable attitude to free enterprise and competition; a very open foreign investment regime, a strong fiscal position, sophisticated capital markets and growing network of free trade agreements.  Companies represented at the networking event covered a wide range of sectors including energy, financial services and consultancy, scientific research and marine related industries.