Cowen to push Ireland’s new smart economy

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will today lead a major Irish trade mission in California to push Ireland’s new smart economy.

Mr Cowen will meet with senior representatives of leading US multinational companies with successful investments in Ireland before visiting Irish companies who are doing business in the States.

He will then address a major business lunch in Silicon Valley.

“The Taoiseach will focus on the Government’s economic recovery plan, with a particular emphasis on the smart economy and the implementation of the report of the Government’s Innovation Taskforce,” said a spokesman.

“He will also stress the firm action that has been taken to stabilise the public finances, reduce the deficit and restore and reform the Irish banking system.”

Overnight Mr Cowen will fly to Washington DC where he will attend a series of political and economic engagements, including a bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama on St Patrick’s Day.

Meanwhile Tanaiste Mary Coughlan is one a four day trade, investment and promotion mission to Germany.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will visit the cities of Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich and Marburg where she aims to influence the German opinion on Ireland’s strategy for economic renewal.