Minister Ahern Signs New Work Agreement with Argentina

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern TD today signed an agreement in Buenos Aires which will allow young people from both Ireland and Argentina to stay and work for extended periods of time.
 
The Minister signed the deal –Holiday Working Agreement – following a meeting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Argentina.
 
The new deal allows those under 35 to stay and work for extended periods of time in either country and is the first agreement of its kind with Argentina.
 
Speaking following the signing, Minister Ahern said the arrangement provides students in particular with the opportunity to extend their stay thanks to the new work permits. The Argentine Foreign Minister signed on their behalf.
 
Minister Ahern said: "The main purpose of the programme being put in place is to allow young people from both countries gain a better understanding of the other country and each other and to build relationships for the future. The value of this in growing the bilateral relationship into the future is clear.

Minister Ahern said trade between both countries was now at record levels. "Ireland's principal exports to Argentina include medical and pharmaceutical products; office and data processing machines; and photographic apparatus. Argentina's main exports to Ireland include animal feedstuffs; oil seeds; essential oils; beverages; and fruit and vegetables.

"Although total trade dropped significantly following the economic crisis here, we have now surpassed the highest pre-crisis trade figures.  From a previous height of €92 million in 2001, trade is estimated to have reached close to €110 million in 2006.

As well as talks at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Minister Ahern also had a working lunch with Defence Minister Nillda Garre.

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Press
19th March 2008