Ireland seeks trade opportunities in Africa

Ireland’s Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, TD, met Ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives from 14 African countries in London March 7, 2012 to discuss trade opportunities between his country and Africa.

The meeting was designed to develop closer trade and political links with Africa, as outlined in Ireland’s Africa Strategy, a statement issued by Ireland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

But speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Costello was quoted in the statement as saying “I have a particular interest in supporting trade and investment which can further Africa’s development.”

Like Ireland, Costello said African countries identify job creation, foreign direct investment, private sector development and trade as the drivers of sustainable development.

“Working with Enterprise Ireland and other state agencies, we are researching markets in Africa to identify matches between Irish competencies and African demand,” he added.

Mutually beneficial trade is a win-win for Africa and for Ireland, he said.

By Ekow Quandzie