Africa Ireland Economic Forum 2012
We hosted the Second Africa Ireland Economic Forum on October 22nd, 2012, in conjunction with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and the African Diplomatic Corps.
The Africa Ireland Economic Forum was established to create opportunities for Irish and African businesses to meet and explore how two-way trade and investment across Africa can be increased.
{L-R} Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore T.D. with Niall Quinn, H.E. Catherine Muigai Mwangi, Ambassador of Kenya to Ireland and Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D at the Second Africa Ireland Economic Forum, 2012.
The theme of the Forum this year was ‘Building on Success’. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore T.D. addressed over 160 representatives from Irish companies on trade and investment opportunities in Africa.
Speakers included Niall Quinn, who discussed his experience of doing business in Africa and Dr Karan Sonpar from UCD whose research focuses on trends, opportunities and risks in emerging markets. Glanbia and ESB International were among the 160 company representatives at the forum.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore T.D. with Mr. Georges O.O. Alabi from the Embassy of Nigeria at the Second Africa Ireland Economic Forum, 2012
Four panel discussions held in the afternoon, allowed for in-depth consultations on opportunities in agri-food, construction, education and information technology and pharmaceuticals with over 15 expert panellists contributing to these discussions.
Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello opened the Forum and launched the Progress Report which outlines actions taken over the last year in six key areas identified in the Africa Strategy . The report also sets out priorities related to our Economic and Trade Relations for 2012/13.
