With a population of over 300 million - which is expected to rise to 336 million by 2020 - America is the largest developed market place in the world. The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy, with a per capita GDP of $46,900. Mayo County Council is leading a regional initiative to establish the Ireland West International Trade Centre located in Providence, Rhode Island.
David Minton, programme manager (Mayo County Council ) for the initiative outlined “In simple terms a project that allows companies in the West and North West of Ireland explore and test new markets in the US through the provision of cost effective show space, enterprise support, networking, investment guidance and collaboration The project aims to utilise the brand of Ireland West for the promotion of business, tourism and educational connections. The partnership consists of representatives from local authorities in Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway; Ireland West Airport Knock, your Local Enterprise Offices and the Western Development Commission.
"The strategy is to assist indigenous companies explore export opportunities in the US. Our objective with our partners in Rhode Island is to provide a cost-effective client based service to identified companies in the region. The facility pictured below is a ground floor unit with over 2,000sq ft of office and show case facilities. The unit will be stocked with products sourced from Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland West and the space will be open to buyers, investors, clients and potential customers.
"The opportunity for companies is a ‘soft landing’ space providing a programme, structure and office space for you and your company to test new markets. Working with our partners in Rhode Island Commerce Dept, Rhode Island the project has identified the perfect location for the Ireland West International Trade Centre. Located in the centre of Providence, Rhode Island and overlooking the State House the ground floor facility is an ideal shop front / back office for businesses exploring and testing new markets in the US (Rhode Island, Boston, New York ). This facility would provide the following opportunities including showcase facilities for company products and services, professional meeting environment and conference facilities, professional address for Irish businesses exploring new markets, professional support from Rhode Island Commerce Department and Fabiani & Company in sourcing clients, networks, distributors and sales.
The pilot training programme for US Market entry commences on March 9. The first training workshop concentrates on US Market overview. To register for the training programme please contact your Local Enterprise Office. More information on the Programme can be found on www.irelandwesttradecentre.com or if you would like to speak with someone please call Paul on (094 ) 904 7029
