Taoiseach Continues Japanese Trade Mission

The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., today continues his visit to Japan with a number of engagements in Tokyo.  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.

In the morning, the Taoiseach will address an event hosted jointly by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote Irish - Japanese trade and research opportunities.  The Taoiseach will then deliver an address at a business lunch organised by Enterprise Ireland which will bring together over 250 senior Irish and Japanese business people with the aim of developing new opportunities for trade and investment between Ireland and Japan.

Following this event, the Taoiseach will deliver a keynote speech on Research and Development policy and opportunities in Ireland at an IDA Ireland/Science Foundation Ireland symposium.  This is a very significant event bringing together the best of Irish research capabilities of direct relevance to the ICT and Life Sciences sectors in Japan.

Later on, the Taoiseach will call in to an Irish Meat Seminar organised by Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.  Japan is an important market for Irish pork in particular and this event represents an important opportunity to engage with existing and potential Japanese customers.

In the evening, the Taoiseach will attend an event hosted by the Irish Ambassador to Japan which will be attended by parliamentarians, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.  Important business contacts, including the visiting Irish trade delegation, will also be in attendance as well as key figures from the resident Irish community in Japan.

ENDS

Wednesday 14 January 2009