Irish companies set to announce deals in Australia

Some 14 Irish companies are expected to announce deals in Australia over the course of President Michael D Higgins's state visit, which is currently under way and includes Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald.

Workwear maker Portwest, foreign exchange specialist Fexco, forklift supplier Combilift and education software developer Akari are among the Irish companies set to announce partnerships in Australia during the visit.

Enterprise Ireland and 55 of its client companies are taking part in the trip to promote their products in Australia.

They are operating in nine industries, including digital technology, building, engineering and consumer products.

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Enterprise Ireland said that of the 55 taking part, 27 do not yet export to Australia, while 16 had a heavy exposure to Brexit.

Exported goods

Last year, more than 300 Enterprise Ireland-backed companies exported goods worth €256 million to Australia. This was 14 per cent more than the previous year, and it is hoped that exports to Australia will double by 2020.

Both President Higgins and Ms Fitzgerald will meet potential investors and executives at Australian companies that have set up operations in the Republic with the IDA’s backing.

IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said: "There are 22 Australian companies with approximately 1,000 employees exporting from Ireland and a further 34 Australian companies servicing the Irish market. IDA will use the mission to deepen relationships and target new client companies."