Businesses to benefit from a new alliance created between Scotland and Ireland’s Gaeltacht Areas as part of a recent Business Trade Visit.
Led by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) and Údarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal the reciprocal arrangement is the first of its kind for Scotland and the Gaeltacht and will act as a valuable resource for SMEs looking to expand their international B2B partnerships.
Announced at a major gathering of Scottish and Irish business leaders, Scottish Government’s Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee MSP, said: “This is an excellent example of private and public sector working together and building meaningful alliances that will make it easier for businesses to build their capacity to trade. The establishment of reciprocal trade offices demonstrates the commitment of the Scottish and Irish business communities to expand opportunities for trade and investment and foster great collaboration and cooperation. This is an excellent outcome of the three-day Business Trade Visit to the Donegal Gaeltacht that I was very pleased to lead, and I look forward to supporting this important alliance.”
Joining the recent Trade Visit to Donegal with West Lothian Chamber and Scottish Chambers of Commerce were a selection of businesses and representatives of West Lothian Council alongside Údarás na Gaeltachta and they welcomed the new dedicated reciprocal trade offices to provide business support services to companies and facilitate investment & trade opportunities. During the visit the delegates of the Trade Mission were able to tour local businesses and have one to one meetings with relevant contacts.
West Lothian Executive Councillor for West Lothian Council Cathy Muldoon said “This is a very uncertain time for all our economies and a time when we have to work together and forge alliances which will support business and trade. As part of the Trade Mission it was encouraging to meet with Irish Government, The Scottish Government and agencies to share our concerns and how we can find mutual benefit. I look forward to future opportunities for West Lothian.”
Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive, of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are immense opportunities between Ireland’s Gaeltacht Areas and Scotland and the establishment of trade offices in our respective areas is a clear indicator of our ambition and commitment to expand our international business relationships. The ‘business touchpoints’ will connect ambitious businesses looking to expand their customer base and identify new trading partnerships. This alliance further extends the opportunity for Scottish businesses to connect internationally and adds to our existing international touchpoints in China, Canada and Indonesia, clearly demonstrating the effective results for business when private and public sector work in collaboration.”
Commenting on the announcement, Micheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer, Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “This new alliance facilitated by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Scottish Chambers of Commerce is an important step forward to expand trading opportunities for Irish businesses. It will also provide Scottish business a significant chance to establish a presence in Ireland and to explore the new markets and opportunities that it provides.”
It is clear from the success and outcome of the recent trade mission that there is a demand for exporting in Scotland and Ireland with both countries looking to forge a closer business alliance ahead of Brexit.
Linda Scott, Chief Executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce said: “ We are delighted with the outcome of the Trade Mission to Donegal and look forward to welcoming delegates from Ireland to West Lothian and surrounding areas on an inward trade mission in 2019. It is vital we continue these Trade Missions as they allow local businesses to expand their knowledge of other markets while opening up new pathways for business. I feel that it is essential that businesses are made aware of these various opportunities available in markets across the globe and this will be an area we continue to work to improve.”
If you would like to know more about our international activities please contact us on chamber@wlchamber.com , 01506 414 808 or check out our website: www.wlchamber.com
