MOS travels to Malaysia to boost business links

The Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., is in Malaysia today to participate at the 6th Annual Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum. Over 150 business leaders from throughout the Gulf and Asian Pacific are participating at this year's Forum, which will seek to expand and enhance Ireland’s economic network in the region. 

The Forum has been scheduled to coincide with the annual Asian Gaelic Games.  Teams from 31 clubs from across the region will be competing in Kuala Lumper this weekend at what has become a major showcase for Irish sport and culture.  Minister Costello will participate in the launching of the games on behalf of the Government. 

The visit is an opportunity to boost trade and investment opportunities in a key regional market, as well as highlighting Ireland's growing bilateral relations with Malaysia. A key element of this is our engagement with the growing Irish presence in Malaysia, within the Malaysian business community including the education and tourism sectors.

Speaking on his arrival in the country, the Minister said:

“The Business Forum, consisting of over 150 business leaders with interests and links to Ireland from throughout the Asian and Gulf regions, is a unique opportunity. Their expertise, interest and enthusiasm in bringing about enhanced trade links for Irish companies and improving awareness of Ireland as a place to do business is invaluable. The vitality of Irish business in this region is a key a strength that we need to continue to build on.

A central part of the Government’s strategy for economic recovery is to increase export activity with key growth markets, like those in the Asian and Gulf regions.  Jobs are at the top of the Government’s agenda and developing links with these markets is crucial in bringing about this objective.”

Along with meetings with his Malaysian counterparts at the Foreign and Trade ministries, Minister Costello will participate in events to mark the 25th anniversary of the ESBI’s (ESB International) presence in Malaysia and meet with the Irish Chambers of Commerce from the region. He will also visit the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons Ireland) campus at Perdana University.     

Following his visit to Malaysia, Minister Costello, will travel on to Vietnam, a priority country for Irish Aid, the government’s development assistance programme.

Press Office

24 October 2012