Enterprise Ireland’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2010 shows that Irish companies achieved €14bn export sales in 2010. Within that, Irish companies achieved a record €1.95bn of new export sales. This represents a strong rebound and recovery of 70% of the exports lost in 2009.

Enterprise Ireland client companies are expected to achieve record levels of exports in 2011.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr. Richard Bruton T.D. welcomed the report saying that it shows a strong performance by exporters in 2010, but emphasised the need for high ambition, and to build tirelessly on this success in order to create jobs and growth.

Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development of Irish companies and driving Irish export sales. Enterprise Ireland client companies are responsible for almost 300,000 jobs (137,241 directly employed) and spend an estimated €19bn per annum in the Irish economy, delivering huge economic impact to communities across every county in Ireland.

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In addition to the strong export performance, Enterprise Ireland’s Annual Report and Accounts 2010 shows that despite a continued challenging economic environment for Irish business, client companies started more new high potential enterprises than ever before and maintained investment in high-value research and development projects.

Welcoming the publication of the Report, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, said: “The results are very encouraging but it is clear that we must be highly ambitious about what our exporting companies can achieve. I am determined that government will do everything it can, through direct supports to high-potential companies and through implementing policies that create the environment in which they can thrive, to ensure that our businesses can lead recovery in jobs and the economy”.

Commenting on the Report, Hugh Cooney, Chairman of the Board of Enterprise Ireland said:

“We should be proud and greatly encouraged by what client companies achieved during 2010. The bounce-back in exports is truly remarkable and each and every one of them deserves to be recognised for this great achievement.”

“2011 will continue to challenge our clients but there is no question that they are better positioned than ever before to take on this challenge. Irish exporting companies have products and services that stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the best the world has to offer. Enterprise Ireland and its network of 31 overseas offices will continue to work with our clients to compete for business and win, in every corner of the Globe.”

(BMcN/GK)