Ballina Chamber of Commerce is a key resource for local companies seeking to trade internationally or expand their operations overseas. The chamber is licensed to authorise official international trade documentation for foreign destinations that include Iran, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Botswana, and Ukraine.
“Our Certificates of Origin service is an important support for manufacturers and service providers in the Mayo/Sligo region,” said David Dwane, secretary of Ballina Chamber of Commerce. “As an open economy it is important that there are as few barriers to international trade as possible, and we in the chamber are keen to ensure that Ballina and the Moy Valley region in particular are maintained as an attractive destination for industry.”
The chamber reports that the number of Certificates of Origin issued in the first nine months of 2014 is ahead of the 2013 figure, a statistic that bodes well for industrial export activity within this region. “The chamber is also an important source of information on international trade regulations,” said Mr Dwane.
The chamber’s move to an online system for authorising trade documents will save companies time and help speed up their export processes. This has proved a great success and is evidence of the chamber’s ongoing commitment to support its members that sell overseas.
One of the chamber’s clients is Ballina Beverages, which operates the state-of-the-art Coca-Cola concentrate manufacturing plant in the town. “Ballina Beverages is always happy to assist the chamber in the great work they do to help improve the climate for business locally,” said a spokesperson for Ballina Beverages.
Firms in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial machinery sectors are also among the chamber’s clients. “Whether it is lobbying for improved infrastructure or creating events to attract tourism to the area, we support their contribution to the development of a vibrant local community. In addition, by providing us with Certificates of Origin, Ballina Chamber facilitates us in trading internationally with our bottling partners worldwide,” continued the spokesperson.
Membership of the chamber also provides companies with the opportunity to access seminars and training on international trade, discounted business services, and the chance to participate in European trade programmes.
