Majority of Irish exporters expect to grow exports and jobs, survey finds

A survey by Enterprise Ireland has revealed 90% of Irish exporters believe they will increase their exports next year.

Significantly, over 75% of those surveyed said they plan to increase the number of people they employ this year.

“Ireland’s economic prospects are closely tied with Irish exporting success,” head of international sales and partnering in Enterprise Ireland, Kevin Sherry said. The survey coincided with the opening of international markets week.

“The confidence and determination of these ambitious Irish companies is a source of significant optimism,” Mr Sherry said. “Companies taking part in international markets week clearly believe they will secure export growth which underpins and stimulates job creation in Ireland.”

It is the first Enterprise Ireland client event the government agency has ever held. Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton launched the event yesterday in the RDS.

The venue will play host to 700 companies who will have more than 2,300 meetings with export advisers to discuss their international growth strategies.

Mr Bruton said his department was determined to help companies break into new foreign markets so as to create jobs in Ireland.

“In 2011 jobs in exporting companies started to grow again for the first time after three years of contraction, and the Government is determined to build on this in 2012 by improving supports like the establishment of a new potential exporters’ division in Enterprise Ireland,” he said.

So far this year, Enterprise Ireland has arranged for over 560 international buyers to travel to Ireland to meet Irish companies. In addition to assisting them win new business with existing customers, in the year to date, it has helped Irish companies to win over 510 new customers in 46 countries.

“Enterprise Ireland is actively seeking opportunities for Irish companies in international markets, and is providing these companies with in-depth, one-to-one. support as well supporting them with an extensive programme of international trade missions and in-market initiatives,” said Mr Sherry.