Enterprise Ireland announced three important sales contracts by client companies responding to opportunities in the French Cleantech and Construction sectors.

The announcement was made at a prestigious business event in Paris attended by President Michael D. Higgins as part of his official visit to Paris. President Higgins' attendance at the event, which was organised by the Irish Embassy in Paris in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia and Network Irlande, reflects the importance the Government attaches to Ireland's economic and trade relationship with France.

Irish companies AMCS (Co. Limerick), Anua (part of the Bord na Mona Group), and Cork Plastics signed contracts to the value of €1.5m with three French companies. The contracts represent significant wins for the three companies who are providing innovative products and solutions to the highly competitive Cleantech and Construction sectors in France. The contracts also support 18 jobs in Ireland.

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Speaking at the event President Higgins said: "We know that innovation and entrepreneurship are vital for Irish economic recovery and growth; and that people who are willing to innovate, to take chances and to turn ideas into reality are the people we need to lead our economy to recovery and growth. I would like to congratulate the Irish companies here today on the progress they have made in generating new and significant export opportunities in France."

Congratulating the companies on their success, Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: "France is the third largest export market for Irish companies and a significant trading partner with Ireland. The announcement of these contracts reflects Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to further scale our bilateral trade and exports to established markets like France. Exports of Irish-owned companies to France grew by 14% in 2011 reflecting the demand for the world class goods and services which Irish companies have to offer."

(CD/GK)