Taoiseach Addresses Business and Tourism Interests in Japan

The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., who is in Tokyo at the official invitation of the Japanese Government, will undertake a number of engagements today (Tuesday). The Taoiseach is accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D. and the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Mr. John McGuinness, T.D. The visit also includes a trade mission of over 70 companies, including four businesses from Northern Ireland.

In the morning, the Taoiseach will address two business promotion seminars hosted by Enterprise Ireland to promote Irish - Japanese trade and research links in the lifescience and food sectors.

Immediately afterwards, the Taoiseach will address a promotional lunch organised by Tourism Ireland. Tourism Ireland is responsible for the promotion internationally of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination and the aim of the lunch is to communicate this message to the relevant travel industry contacts in Japan.

During the afternoon, the Taoiseach will meet with senior representatives of the Japanese Business Federation, Nippon Keidanren, as well as with the chairman of Daiwa Securities who have Irish operations in both Dublin and Dundalk.

In the evening, the Taoiseach will attend a Chamber of Commerce/Irish Embassy event which will be held in the Embassy residence in Tokyo.
Ends

Tuesday 13 January 2009