WTC Dublin: February 2023 Newsletter

World Trade Center Dublin

EXPORT SUPPORT FOR SMES

SPRING 2023

The Emerging Emeralds in International Business and Trade PLUS

MEMBER PRODUCTS:

Four members with a focus on sustainability, lifestyle and innovation.

MARKET INSIGHT:

Think about exporting to Ghana with Irish exports to sub-Saharan Africa growing to well over €500 million.

An Interview with Ambassador Mrs. Patricia Cortes Ortiz

Get Ready to Be Ready to Export.

Unlimited Call Support on Your Export Journey Market Insights for exporting Marketing and Exposure

International Trade Shows and Training

MEMBER PRODUCTS

A NEW WAVE OF NATURAL SKINCARE!

Created by skincare expert Laura Rudoe, Evolve Organic Beauty is a boutique brand based in Hertfordshire, England. Their affordable range of skincare products are lovingly handmade in small batches at their eco studio in Hertfordshire using only the most effective, sustainably sourced active ingredients.

For Evolve Beauty, the mission has always been to make healthier, greener, and kinder products for us and the planet while also making it easy for everyone to find more sustainable and more beneficial products that make a visible difference to your skin. Their goal is to go beyond sustainable and to be more than just “less bad”, eventually become regenerative. Regenerative means their impact is not zero; it is positive: restorative for the planet and restorative for body and mind.

A PASSION FOR LIFE AND A PASSION FOR NOUGAT!

Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat is a brand all nougat lovers should be introduced to. They are an artisan product handmade by Miena and her team in their nougat kitchen in Wicklow, the ‘Garden of Ireland’. They are incredibly passionate about their nougats and use only the finest natural ingredients to ensure their customers get the best product possible. The best part? These delicious treats are available in different flavors with almonds, pistachios, strawberries, rhubarb, passionfruit and whatever new ingredient they think will work - including chocolate!

Miena’s Nougat has grown from a small Irish company to one that sells awardwinning nougat to some of the world’s finest store- including Harrods of London. They also export globally to the US, Denmark, Belgium, and Asia

“But most of all, we love it when you taste our nougat, and you delight in that chewy sweetness which just melts in your mouth – leaving you with a gorgeous aftertaste of nuts and fruit. It means the world to us that you can enjoy this homemade product created just for you by our hands right here in the Garden of Ireland.” -

Miena

NEW HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE FOR SUGAR!

Working with leading Neuroscientists and Nutritionists, Charlie and Joe developed Motion Nutrition’s range of award-winning products like - Unplug, which helps you to slow-fix your sleep but doesn’t knock you out; Power Up helps you stay alert, but without the coffee-like stimulation and Balance helps you feel at ease with regular use.

With the belief that you don’t have to compromise when it comes to nourishing your body, Motion Nutrition products are thoughtfully made to be free from junk. There are no fillers, synthetic flavorings, soy, or gluten; when possible, everything they use is organic.

Today everything they do is designed to help you and your whole family sleep deeper, stress less and have more energy. So that with the smallest intervention possible, they can have the greatest positive impact on your life.

BREAKFAST SKILLET: TRY THIS DELICIOUS BREAKFAST SKILLET RECIPE FROM THANKS PLANT THAT YOUR WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY!

Ingredients

• 1 kg rooster potatoes, cubed and boiled until soft

• 1 onion

• 1 small punnet mushrooms

• 1 red pepper

• 1 yellow pepper

• 2 Thanks Plants Apple & Sages sausages

• 1 cup of kale

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 fresh lemon, squeezed

• 1 avocado

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pan, gently fry the onion, mushrooms and peppers in 1 tbsp olive oil until they have softened and are just turning brown, for about 5-7 mins. Once the veggies are cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan on a medium-high heat, then add the cooked potato cubes and Thanks Plants sausages. Season the potatoes and sausages with the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, gently turning once so they don’t break apart. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Once the potatoes and sausages are done, turn off the heat and add the cooked veggies back in and gently mix the ingredients together. Add a cup of kale and allow it to wilt through the skillet. Squeeze half a lemon over the dish and serve with avocado fanned over the top.

The Emerging Emeralds in International Business and Trade

A Conversation with Her Excellency Mrs. Patricia Cortés Ortiz, Colombia Ambassador to Ireland

The Colombia – Ireland relationship dates back to the 1800s from the time over 2,000 Irish volunteers accompanied Simon Bolivar in the campaign in which Colombia gained independence from Spain, including Cork man, General Daniel O’Leary who was aide-de-camp to Bolívar. Once the wars of Independence were over, a good portion of the volunteers remained in Colombia, some as part of the Colombian army, others to integrate into society as businessmen, merchants, artists and miners. Though academic sources differ, it is estimated that the Irish diaspora in Colombia is 10,000 people at present. There are around 700 Colombians that live and work in Ireland today.

It is without a doubt that the long history between the two countries has only strengthened in recent years with the opening of the Colombian Embassy in Dublin in 2018, the Irish Embassy opening in Bogotá in 2019, and alongside Global Ireland, Ireland’s strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2025.

With thriving businesses and business professionals that are keen to increase activity, the World Trade Center Dublin and the Embassy of Colombia are pleased to

announce our partnership this year with a focus on increasing trade activity and trade relations between the Emerald Isle and the Land of Emeralds.

The Embassy of Colombia in Dublin opened its doors in 2018. Can you share an overview of the Embassy and how the first years of establishing the Embassy have been? What challenges and successes have you seen?

Colombia and Ireland have developed a strong and multifaceted relationship. We share values and common experiences related to peace. Our bilateral agenda has grown stronger since the visit of President Michael D. Higgins in 2017 and the opening of our embassies in Dublin in 2018, and Bogotá in 2019.

I was posted to be the first resident Ambassador of Colombia to Ireland, and Ireland has been a very welcoming post, so we have been fortunate to diversify our bilateral agenda extensively and to strength our people-to-people connections and links. One of the great successes we can account

for is the high-level political engagement throughout this period. The first visit of a Colombian Foreign Minister, in the 20 years of relationship, occurred in September 2019 with the presence of Colombian Foreign Minister, Carlos Holmes Trujillo. Last year the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, visited Colombia on St. Patrick’s Day and our Former VicePresident and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucía Ramirez, visited Ireland in April. Our current Minister for Agriculture, a key portfolio in President Petro’s administration, visited Ireland last September.

In business, the creation of the first IrishColombian Business Network initially formed by 14 companies keeps growing; and the bilateral trade is diversifying steadily. We also expanded the scope of cooperation to include areas like agriculture, education, science, and innovation.

Additionally, I can see the difference in the media coverage of Colombia in Ireland; there has been progress in dismantling stereotypes. This remains an area we work in every day, which can only be changed through dialogue, communication, education, and cultural exchanges.

The only obstacle for a more fluid bilateral relationship is the short-stay visa requirement by Ireland to Colombia. Currently, Ireland is the only country in Europe that requires a visa for Colombians which remains a main barrier to expanding our economic and people-to-people ties. Though, based on the facts and the many aspects we have in common with Ireland, we are very hopeful about this requirement being lifted soon.

The EU-Colombia Trade Agreement has been in place with Colombia since 2013 and has certainly led to the increase of exported products from Ireland to

Colombia and vice versa. Please share some insights into Colombian trade, what sectors and businesses are performing the best in both markets, and what you envision will help progress and increase the activity between the two countries?

The signing of the 2013 agreement undoubtedly made the trade links more robust. Another milestone was the opening of the Embassies in Dublin and Bogotá. This allowed us to work together with Ireland to diversify the exports –the mining sector had been traditionally the most significant exporter from Colombia to Ireland– and increasing the non-mining goods brought to Ireland.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) originating from the EU during 2013 reached USD $2.582,5 million (a 666% growth compared to 2010), with a share of 15% over the total investment flow received from the world, according to the Central Bank (Banco de la República). During 2021 the investment coming from the EU surpassed USD $3.377 million, with an increase of 31% compared to 2013. Between 2013 and Q3 2022, FDI from Ireland recorded inflows of USD $126.8 million with the largest amount reported during 2016 at USD $98.6 million.

We are very pleased with the performance of non-mining exports from Colombia to Ireland. Despite the challenges, 2022 was a hugely positive year for our exports, and we closed with sales of USD 8.35 million in nonmining sectors, a 50% growth compared with 2021 and 81% against pre-pandemic levels. Our best performing sectors include green coffee, fresh flowers, and bananas. Also, this growth shows the commitment of both countries in the environment and to decrease their carbon footprint.

Colombia has been a producer of coffee for over 300 years and exporting for over 200, but we still value the growth in this sector. Thanks to the growing coffee culture in Dublin and all-around Ireland, the green coffee exports tripled between 2019 and 2021. We also saw a boost in flowers sales in Ireland, thanks to the work-from-home and outdoor socializing activities promoted during the pandemic, which increased Colombian exports by 88% compared to pre-pandemic figures. This is also so positive at a social level since it generates employment for 25% of the female workers in rural areas of Colombia.

We are working on a Trade Mission from Ireland to Colombia for 2023, or a highlevel visit accompanied by business representatives, for Irish businesses to familiarise with the Colombian market and know the business opportunities the country has to offer first-hand. Both governments are aligned in the importance of promoting sustainable projects, which we hope will translate into more Irish investment in renewable energy projects. We have also had very interesting cases of bilateral trade in the technology sector; some Irish companies have made Colombia a hub to provide their technology and software services to the US and Europe.

The main sectors of Irish direct investment in Colombia are energy –with a notable increase in green energies–, technology, paper-based packaging, and forestry. The imports of Ireland to Colombia in the services sector also deserves mentioning, since Ireland’s exports in this sector have tripled between 2016 and 2019. According to Trade Map, Irish exports to Colombia are concentrated in pharmaceuticals, instruments and apparatus, food preparations and beverages.

As you know, we at the WTC Dublin support the many small to medium sized businesses in Ireland that all have such a strong brand story and history. Our goal is to assist them with their international trade journey and to open new opportunities for them as their business grows. What advice do you have for Irish SMEs that are looking to break into the Colombian market? What are the important few steps they should be taking as they consider growth into Colombia?

Colombia has excellent business opportunities for Irish SMEs; and as I mentioned it can serve as a regional hub if they are considering expanding their business to the Americas.

Colombia has the fourth-largest economy in the region and stands out for being one of the most stable ones in Latin America. In 2021, the GDP increased by 10.6%, and the forecast for the following five years shows that Colombia’s economy will grow faster than markets such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. In addition, Colombia offers an attractive domestic market of more than 51 million inhabitants, being the 3rd largest country in Latin America.

Thanks to its strategic location, Colombia can act for Irish companies as a bridge between North and South American countries. Due to its privileged geographic location in the centre of the continent, which enables us to connect to any destination in the hemisphere in short periods, Colombia is an ideal friend-shoring destination.

Additionally, Colombia is located within two time zones of all major cities in the Americas, making the country an excellent destination for services exports. Companies here have preferential access to 97% of countries in the Americas due to the Free Trade Agreement in place. These countries represent more than 31% of the world’s GDP and 1 billion inhabitants.

Companies located in Colombia also benefit from the free trade zone, which offers multiple incentives and is at the forefront of global trade trends. For example, e-commerce operations are allowed in free zones for users of goods and services through postal traffic and urgent shipments.

The first step for any company wishing to enter the Colombian market should be to get in touch with ProColombia, our government promotion agency for investment, trade, and tourism; and the World Trade Centre, of course. The Embassy in Ireland can also support companies with an initial exploration. We are always open to connecting companies with key factors and entities that will support their journey prior and when in Colombia.

Family-owned companies or family members working together is a common business practice in both Colombia and Ireland. Do you think this cultural similarity strengthens the success of partnerships between Colombian and Irish companies?

Yes, absolutely. Colombian and Irish societies are very family oriented. For example, in the agricultural sector in Colombia, most production is done by small and medium sized holders and family-run businesses. According to the National Federation of

Coffee Growers (FNC), more than 540,000 families are coffee growers and represent 96% of the producers nationwide. In the cocoa sector, small and medium growers, represented by 65,000 families, produce most of the cacao in the country. Hence why the commitment of our government to small producers is so important and makes so much sense. We have noticed we have that in common with Ireland, with government policies supporting small producers and family-owned businesses.

This means companies and final consumers understand this culture, which facilitates doing business together.

At the top of Colombia’s exports to Ireland is in the Coffee and Tea category. What were and are the key components that place this category at the top of the list? What steps were taken to establish this strong export for Colombia in Ireland?

I have seen coffee culture in Ireland grow exponentially in the past four years, which can only be positive for Colombia. I feel there are several reasons for the interest of Ireland in our coffee. Quality first, but tradition, rich history, sustainability and socially responsible production are very close, and key reasons some of the biggest importers may mention. Colombia is the world’s leading producer of mild and specialty coffee. We only produce Arabica which has lower concentration of caffeine making it a healthier option. Our biodiversity allows for two harvests and supply all year round. This biodiversity means different climates and a varied geography giving our coffee very diverse cup profiles.

Colombia is not only committed to support small coffee farmers as I mentioned, but my country also recently joined the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) to make sure we empower female coffee growers and women within the coffee industry.

Besides coffee, Irish people also love their chocolate, and we would love to take advantage of this fact.

Cocoa has been a great contributor to peace in terms of being a substitution to illegal crops. Our cocoa has received numerous distinctions for flavour and aroma worldwide, so we would like Irish consumers to associate Colombia not only with great coffee but with great cocoa.

transit times are as low as 16 days, with transfers in the ports of the Netherlands, Panama, and France. From Buenaventura, in the Colombian Pacific, there are five shipping lines and connections are made in the ports of Panama, Netherlands, Morocco, and the United Kingdom.

Tourism is a key economic driver in both Ireland and Colombia. Are efforts being made to bring more trade missions to Colombia? Are there opportunities for spending holidays in your beautiful and diverse country?

Tourism is indeed a key economic driver for Colombia and Ireland. In Colombia, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism, where people can enjoy the nature and cultural richness of Colombia in a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient manner.

One of the top concerns since the COVID-19 pandemic has been in the area of shipping and receiving when we talk about international trade. Can you share the current status Colombia ports and any latest insights in terms of receiving and sending goods to and from Ireland?

Logistics in the last few years have been indeed challenging worldwide. In Colombia, between 2019 and 2020, there was a 15.3% decrease in port traffic. However, in 2021 Colombia recorded a slight post-pandemic recovery by 1.4% YOY.

Colombia has over 3,000 maritime export routes to 750 ports in more than 140 countries in the world. The Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) of the UNCTAD recognized the Cartagena Port Group as the best-connected port in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020 ahead of Callao in Perú, Guayaquil in Ecuador and Manzanillo in Panamá. Regarding maritime connectivity with Ireland, there are five shipping lines on the Atlantic coast, whose

Colombia is the most biodiverse country per square meter. It also has the highest biodiversity of birds in the world, with over 1,954 species. In Colombia, you can find six countries in one, which is why we invite tourists to visit the six regions of Colombia; The Caribbean, Easter, and Western Andes, Pacific, Amazon, and Massif. You will find completely different landscapes, nature, and traditions in each region.

Colombia is becoming trendier, multiple international newspapers have recognized Colombia’s nature and cultural richness. Forbes Magazine ranked Colombia as the third most beautiful place in the world; and The New York Times included two Colombian cities in its list of “52 places to go” in 2023. The National Geographic Magazine choose Colombia as its cover for its November magazine and capture the real essence of the country by exploring different regions.

We work daily to promote Colombia’s tourism and invite Irish to visit our countries. We have participated in different tourism fairs around the world to showcase Colombia. Last month, we had a stand of

photo credit: ProColombia

Colombia at the Holiday World Show Fair Dublin,thelargesttourismfairinIreland.We were also present in Fitur this year, one of the biggest tourism fairs worldwide. In the past,wehadamissionoftourismjournalists traveling to Colombia to learn more about the country We aim to keep promoting this type of initiatives.

The Colombia and Ireland relations is deep rooted in history and has benefited both countries with great collaboration in both business and in tourism. What do you see as the next area of collaboration between the two countries, what more can be done and what initiatives/projects excite you the most?

I see several areas where there is room for further collaboration: education, science, agro-tech, innovation, women’s empowerment, and energy transition.

Colombia and Ireland are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promotingsustainableprojectshasbecome a priority for our governments. We both have excellent potential for wind energy, an areaofworkinwhichwecancooperate and increase bilateral trade.

Colombia offers excellent opportunities for Irish investors in wind and solar energy. We already have a renowned Irish company executing big solar and wind energy projects in Colombia, and we hope to welcome more.

Technology services is another sector where both countries are powerful. The business relationship has become more robust, with Irish companies choosing Colombia as a hub to export services to other parts of the world. This type of case represents a clear economic advantage to both countries, and I look forward to working with the WTC to grow the current number of companies doing so.

I believe the elimination of the shortstay visa requirement by Ireland to Colombian citizens would unlock huge possibilities for our investment, trade and tourism relations.

Also, it would contribute to exchanges in education, science and innovation, three areas both Colombia and Ireland are very invested in. This flexibilization would mean a milestone for our bilateral relationship and will provide many opportunities.

A very exciting event would be the possible Trade Mission planned to Colombia this year. I am sure the existing Irish-Colombian Business Network will welcome this and other opportunities we put together in partnership with the World Trade Center Dublin, to facilitate a conversation among Irish businesses with an interest in entering the Colombian market and vice versa.

Colombia – Ireland Trade Statistics Source: United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade

In 2021, Ireland exported US$206.39 Million to Colombia with the top categories: Pharmaceutical products; Optical, photo, medical apparatus; Cereal, flour, starch, milk preparation products; Machinery; Beverages, spirits and vinegar; Plastics; and Dairy products.

In the same year, Colombia exported US$13.61 Million with the top categories: Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products; Coffee, tea, mate and spices; Electrical equipment; Edible fruits and nuts; Machinery; Pharmaceutical products; Live trees, plants and flowers; and Sugars and confectionary.

MARKET INSIGHT

The most central continent in the world, Africa is the perfect hub for reaching the corners of the world. Incidentally, it’s also the most profitable region in the world, making it a top option for your next business venture.

In March 2018, African countries signed a landmark trade agreement, The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight (8) Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The overall mandate of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market with a population of about 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$ 3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development strategy for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse.

As part of its mandate, the AfCFTA is to eliminate trade barriers and boost intraAfrica trade. It is to advance trade in valueadded production across all service sectors of the African Economy. The AfCFTA will contribute to establishing regional value chains in Africa, enabling investment and job creation. The practical implementation of the AfCFTA has the potential to foster industrialisation, job creation, and investment, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Africa in the medium to long term.

The commencement of trading under the AfCFTA was on January 1, 2021. The AfCFTA Secretariat is hosted in Accra, Ghana. His Excellency Wamkele Mene is the first elected Secretary-General coordinating the implementation of the Agreement.

Trade Growth between Ireland and Africa

In 2020 Irish exports to South Africa were close to €400m, while imports were worth more than €100m. Trade between Ireland and African countries is at record levels and has the potential to grow significantly in the years ahead, as stated by Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs:

“Africa’s potential is not theoretical – it is happening now. We are focused on building Ireland’s economic, political, and cultural links right across the continent. The Forum provides the opportunity to consider how Ireland can strengthen its support for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. There is a focus on leveraging technology and innovation for Africa’s growth, prioritising women entrepreneurs, and climate-smart innovation. I believe these are areas in which Irish companies have a wealth of experience to share with African partners.”

The Africa Ireland Economic Forum (AIEF) sees business leaders from across Ireland and Africa meet to explore ways to grow trade and investments in both directions over the coming years.

As the second largest continent, Africa is home to 54 countries and over 1.4 billion people.

“Ireland has decades of experience in working in partnership with Africa. While huge challenges remain, there is no doubt that economic growth is delivering transformative results across the continent. Our own experience of economic development can be useful to our African friends.” As explained by Colm Brophy T.D., Minister for Overseas Aid and the Diaspora.

Positive economic developments between Ireland and Africa are:

• In 2021, trade in goods between Ireland and Africa increased to a record level of €2.41 billion (€1.85 billion in Irish exports and €0.55 billion in Irish imports).

• Trade in services has also been a particular success story in recent years, now at a record level of just over €4 billion (€3.5 billion in exports and €0.57 billion in imports).

• Africa was Ireland’s fastest growing export market in 2020 for dairy, seafood, and beverages.

• In 2021, the value of agri-food exports to Africa increased by a further 8% to €880 million, doubling in the space of a decade, while Irish spirits exports to Africa grew by 133%.

• Nigeria was Ireland’s largest agrifood export market in Africa in 2021, accounting for 24% of the market share at €210 million.

• South Africa was the largest African export partner overall in 2021 – with €380 million in exports – followed by Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.

Irish Export Performance

Close to 80% of the value of Irish food and drinks exports to Africa is dairy. Irish dairy exports to Africa saw further growth of 10% in 2021 resulting in a total value of €694 million. I rish seafood exports to Africa amounted to €82 million, a drop of 10% despite a 12% volume increase led by lower valued blue whiting that totaled 58 441 tons. Drink exports, including spirits, performed remarkably well reaching €53 million, a 133% increase on the previous year. Meat exports dropped by 55% to €38 million, predominately the results of the South Africa ban on imports of Irish poultry due to the presence of avian flu (HPAI).

Irish Whiskey in Nigeria

The Nigerian drinks sector has experienced immense growth, although from a low base, with exports growing by 172% in the last two years. Since 2020, assisted by Bord Bia’s African team, the number of Irish drinks brands has grown from one to six brands this year, with more predicted to come. Irish whiskey fits into the consumer demand for premium whiskey products in Nigeria due to its strong provenance and production methods. According to drinks market analysts IWSR (2021), volumes of Irish whiskey exports to Nigeria totaled 111,000 9l cases in 2020, which increased from 46,500 9l cases in 2019.

MARKET INSIGHT

Doing Business in Ghana

Ghana is a country of 31 million people with a fast-growing, young, globally, and digitally connected population. Many Ghanaians have strong personal or business ties to the United States, and a strong affinity for American brands and technology.

Ghana is also an interesting market, recognised for having the fastest growing economy in Africa in 2019. This was largely supported by an enabling business environment and supportive government. Key sectors include agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services, and the discovery of offshore oil has contributed to the general positive outlook for the market.

Northern Ireland companies have had positive experiences in this market, often using Ghana as a hub for expansion into the West African region. As the Ghanaian economy continues to recover from the pandemic, the growth forecast for 2022 is approximately 5%. Going forward, export opportunities will exist for local companies in the areas of advanced manufacturing, materials handling, agri-food, life and health sciences and technology.

Ghana is the third largest U.S. export market for goods in Sub-Saharan Africa. The following facts outline the specific areas of activity:

• Beyond its traditional industries of agriculture, mining – and more recently, oil and gas production –Ghana’s digital, financial services, education, and franchising sectors are growing fast.

• Ghana’s developing healthcare system, tourism sector, roads, rail, shipping, and port infrastructure offer opportunities for U.S. companies.

• Ghana’s Atlantic ports and daily direct flights from the United States make it an excellent platform for doing business in Africa. As the host to the new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Ghana is at the heart of Africa’s transformative regional integration and is a great place to launch your business strategy for the African continent.

• In 2022, the country is experiencing a period of fiscal tightening as the government grapples with balancing its growing deficits and debt financing obligations. Nonetheless, Ghana’s medium and long-term growth prospects remain strong.

The Irish Advantage

Innovative, flexible, and trusted – Irish companies are delivering competitive advantage in key industries across Africa. Ireland’s uniquely open, fast-moving, and collaborative economy has developed businesspeople and companies with an unequalled track record of meeting the needs of global market leaders.

More than 400 Enterprise Ireland client companies are doing business in SubSaharan Africa in sectors such as fintech, life sciences, agritech, information and communications technology (ICT), and high-tech construction, among other sectors, and are being supported by the Enterprise Ireland Africa team to expand and enter markets successfully.

Growth has been very strong in recent years, with Irish exports to sub-Saharan Africa growing to well over €500 million. Growth in the key markets of Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya reached 16%, 9% and 7%, respectively, during 2019 against a backdrop of global growth for Irish exports of 6%.

Ireland’s expertise in agritech is particularly relevant to Africa as countries across the continent seek to achieve their stated ambition of becoming self-sufficient in food. Economic and population growth, coupled with increased urbanisation, will make this goal even more challenging. Irish agritech companies can share their knowhow to assist African farmers and food producers to increase yields and move into new product areas.

In conclusion, Africa offers tremendous opportunities for Irish businesses. This continent is filled with opportunity, yet it is one of the most largely untapped regions in the world. With 54 countries, Africa is rich in diversity and potential. Featuring the fastest-growing population and urbanisation globally, Africa can be a fortuitous place to invest in for businesses. The WTC Dublin team remains committed to providing insightful in-country and partnership connections, which will help facilitate market entry for members and support their export journey.

The World Trade Center Dublin (WTC Dublin) would like to invite your brand and products to join us for the upcoming World Trade Center General Assembly (WTCA GA) to be held in Accra, the capital of Ghana on the Atlantic coast of West Africa.

April 23 – 28, 2023 Accra, Ghana

WHAT IS THE WTCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

The WTCA General Assembly is the association’s premier annual event, gathering representatives from member World Trade Center (WTC) locations and their business networks. In 2023, the WTCA GA focuses on business opportunities across the continent of Africa, bringing together new and expanded opportunities not only to/from Ghana, but all nations. The exclusive roster of attendees includes leaders from business, government, and international organizations.

With the theme of “Towards African Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence,” the 2023 GA promises to be a unique and engaging event, demonstrating the strength of the WTCA network and focusing on business opportunities on the African continent with buyers, sellers and investors in sectors representing agriculture & fishing, mining, power & energy, water, food and beverage, food processing, manufacturing, building and constructions, banking & finance, retail, and ICT to name a few.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US?

African countries have established the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which effectively eliminates barriers to trade within the continent, creating the single largest customfree trading area in the world with a combined GDP in excess of USD $3 trillion.

AfCFTA is a gamechanger for Africa, with the creation of an amalgamated market of more than 1.3 billion people, with free movement of goods, services, people and opportunities!

This is in addition to all the factors that already make Africa a key emerging market on the global economic landscape, such as:

• A youthful population

• Fast-growing middleclass

• Fastest-growing digital economy

• 60% of the world’s unused arable land

• 30% of the world’s known mineral wealth, etc.

And finally, we would be remiss to not highlight the cultural aspect of the WTCA General Assembly.

A continent that is filled with amazing culture, nature and music, the WTC Accra team has planned out non-business excursions and activities as part of the WTCA GA for you to experience alongside your business objectives.

CUSTOM B2B PROGRAMME:

The team at WTC Dublin in partnership with WTC Accra will commit significant resources to ensuring that every delegate participates in customized B2B and B2G meetings and activities that will promote their objectives. For this reason, we encourage participants to complete the B2B form well in advance of their arrival to facilitate the work of the B2B team. The WTC Dublin will work with you to build out your latest portfolio and preliminary presentation to the WTC Accra business team prior to travel to Accra with a goal to have preliminary virtual meetings with potential buyers to make the onsite meeting more productive and with acceleration to opportunities.

COST TO PARTICIPATE:

The rate to participate for B2B Delegates will be USD $1,100 per person.

INTERESTED, WANT MORE DETAIL, or READY TO REGISTER?

Contact us at the WTC Dublin by Email: gmurali@webportglobal.com

Phone: +353 (0)1 662 4036

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

MARCH

COSMOPROF

Bologna, Italy

March 16 - 20, 2023

More info here

Food Expo Greece

March 18 – 20, 2023

Greece

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ProWein

Düsseldorf

March 19 – 21, 2023

MARCH

The Inspired Home Show

Chicago, IL USA

March 4 – 7, 2023

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Natural Products Expo West

Anaheim, CA USA

March 7 - 11, 2023

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Seafood Expo North America

Boston, MA USA

March 12 - 14, 2023

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International Food and Drink Event

ExCeL London

March 20 – 22, 2023

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Global Pet Expo 2023

Orlando, FL USA

March 22 - 24, 2023

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SIAL America

Vas Vegas Convention Center

March 28 - 30, 2023

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APRIL

WorldFood Poland

EXPO XXI Warszawa, 12/14 I.

Prądzyńskiego Street

April 5 – 7, 2023

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Natural & Organic Products Europe

London

April 16 - 17, 2023

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World Trade Centers Association

General Assembly

ACCRA, GHANA

April 23 - 28, 2023

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ProSweets Cologne

Cologne, Germany

April 23 – 25, 2023

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Vitafoods Europe 2023 | The World’s Nutraceutical Event

Geneva, Switzerland

May 1 - 12, 2023

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ABC Kids Expo.

Las Vegas, NV USA

May 3 – 5, 2023

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SIAL Canada

Toronto

May 9-11, 2023

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Beautyworld Japan

Tokyo, Japan

May 15 – 17, 2023

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Whiskey Live Dublin

RDS, Dublin

May 19 - 20, 2023

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Sweets and Snacks Expo

Chicago, IL USA

May 2 2- 25, 2023

More info here

JUNE

OutDoor by ISPO

Messe Munich, Germany

June 4 - 6, 2023

More info here

JCK Show

Las Vegas, NV USA

June 2 - 5, 2023

More info here

IDDBA Show | International Dairy Deli Bakery Association

Trade Show

Anaheim, CA USA

June 4 - 6, 2023

More info here

Organic Food Iberia/Eco

Living Iberia

IFEMA Madrid

June 7 – 8, 2023

More info here

2023 Summer Fancy Food Show

Javits Center, NY City

June 26 – 27, 2023

More info here

World of Coffee Athens

Athens, Greece

June 22 - 24, 2023

More info here

JULY

Cosmoprof Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV USA

July 11 - 13, 2023

More info here

IFT FIRST Food Expo

Chicago, IL USA

July 16 - 19, 2023

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MAGIC MARKETPLACE SUMMER LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas, NV USA

July 30 – August 3, 2023

More info here

AUGUST

HKTDC Food Expo

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

August 17 – 21, 2023

More info here