Agreement to aid transnational trade

THE Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has signed an agreement to lead a three-year project to stimulate transnational business between rural small businesses across Europe.

John Whelan, chief executive of the IEA, said at the signing of the agreement with 10 regional development partners from six countries in north-west Europe, that the competitiveness of small businesses has declined not just in Ireland, but also across the continent, particularly in rural regions.

“The globalisation process is part of the problem and can only be addressed through becoming more active in the international business arena,” he said.