Minister Lenihan announces funding for TRAIDLINKS

Minister Lenihan announces funding for TRAIDLINKS

Greater Role for Private Sector in Overseas Development

Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid, today announced funding for TRAIDLINKS, an Irish, private-sector led NGO working to create a vibrant private sector in developing countries. The funding will amount to €4 million over a 3 year period

Making the announcement, the Minister emphasised the importance of mobilising the expertise and skill of the Irish private sector in delivering high quality assistance for the private sector in developing countries. He paid tribute to Mr Liam Fitzgerald and his colleagues on the Board of TRAIDLINKS for the time, effort and skill which they have brought to this project.

"The private sector is a key element in the development process, both as engine for growth and as an essential instrument in poverty reduction. A dynamic and innovative private sector is essential to the achievement of strong, sustainable and equitable economic growth" said Minister Lenihan.

"TRAIDLINKS is an important element in enhancing our support for the private sector across the development programme. It will be at the centre of Irish Aid’s efforts to involve the Irish private sector in the development agenda. I look forward to working closely with Liam Fitzgerald and his colleagues in TRAIDLINKS".

Irish Aid set up the Private Sector Forum in 2004 as a pilot project to engage the Irish private sector in support of development in poorer countries. This was led by Liam Fitzgerald, CEO of United Drug. It now been established as an independent not-for-profit organisation, TRAIDLINKS. It will be formally launched in the New Year.

Irish Aid expects to provide funding of €4m over the period 2006-2008 to TRAIDLINKS for its work in facilitating market access through product development, raising awareness of the potential contribution of the private sector to the development agenda and improving skills and capabilities in developing countries.

It will provide a platform for the involvement of the Irish private sector in the development agenda. Earlier this year TRAIDLINKS launched a range of products in leading supermarkets under the "Heart of Africa" brand name. This includes African tea, fresh ground African coffee, Macadamia nuts and a variety of dried tropical fruit.

ENDS+++

19th December 2006