2010
PRESS RELEASE
Embargo 23rd Feb 201
International Trade Training is an integral part of the Smart Economy, and must be supported, stated the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), at the official opening of the new Institute of International Trade of Ireland
Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr Billy Kelleher TD, today (23rd February) officially opened the new premises of the Institute of International Trade of Ireland, which is the education and training wing of the IEA.
Speaking at the official opening Minister Kelleher stated:
"This Government is totally committed to the development of trade, in order to promote the objective of an export - led economic recovery. Ireland's export performance over most of the last decade has been a very significant factor in our economic growth and job creation. While there is undoubtedly many challenges for those operating in the current global marketplace, huge opportunities also exist and it is therfore important that those involved in driving our exports have the necessary qualifications and expertise. I am confident that the training programmes undertaken in the IITI, for our exporting professionals, will help deliver on our previous success".
Dr Christina Gates, President of the Institute speaking at the opening stated;
"The Institute's two main objectives are firstly to encourage and foster the highest professional standards among practitioners in international trade and secondly to undertake, encourage and promote the study of the policy and practice of international trade in all its aspects."
John Whelan, Chairman of the Institute stated;
"The opening today of the new premises is a further step along the road towards the SMART Economy, and will provide a more extended range of international trade training and language courses, to support foreign owned Multinational corporations and indigenous companies small and large .But also the IITI will be seeking to extend the reach of its international training and education, to a wider range of foreign students and bring to Ireland a bigger share of the foreign student market."
He went on to say;
"We are trailing behind in attracting an adequate number of foreign students to Ireland. This is not alone a cause of concern in terms of lost foreign earnings, but is also a reflection of the lack of competitiveness of our educational system in terms of what is on offer in other developed countries. In terms of magnitude of the opportunity, we are looking at the potential to earn €2 billion a year in the Dublin area alone, if we to match what Melbourne has achieved, which is similar in size to Dublin."
Mr Ger O'Callaghan, the new Director of the Institute pointed to the extensive investment in state of the art teaching and training facilities, and stated;
"We intend stepping up the level of international trade training, inclusive of language training for both national and international students .However, the Institute will also cater for those at work in export industry with an wide range of specialist short courses, utilising international expert lecturers to ensure high quality training is provided to support the continued competitiveness of the sector."
END
For more information;
Please contact Mr Ger O Callaghan, Director Institute of International Trade of Ireland.
26 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Mobile; 086 609 5487
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