2007
Press Release
Thursday 1 November 2007
Irish Exporters’ “Japan 50 Trophy” awarded to Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd.
The Irish Exporters Association’s Japan 50 Trophy (the Asia Trade Award) was presented to Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd., Mulhuddart, Dublin in recognition of its outstanding contribution to Irish trade, its approach to corporate social responsibility through community development and its association with third-level institutions to develop training and education in the wider Irish workplace.
The award was presented at a ceremony at Iveagh House by Mr Dick Roche, T.D., Minister of State at the Dept of Foreign Affairs, who stated the Trophy marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic and trading relations between Ireland and Japan could not have gone to a more worthy company than Astellas, representing the very best example of Japanese firms locating in Ireland as the export base for Europe.
To mark the anniversary the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Ireland have organised a number of events during the year to commemorate the five decades of friendship between the Ireland and Japan.
Minister Roche added that the two governments, continuing on the theme of shared believes, have undertaken work in support of international peace and security through their membership of the United Nations.
Speaking at the award ceremony Irish Exporters Association President Mr Joe Lynch said ’’ Japan is Ireland’s major trading partner in Asia and that this trading relationship has grown and prospered in the past 50 years. Japan continues to be Ireland’s principal trading partner in Asia currently accounting for 35% of Irish manufacturing exports and 24% of service exports to the region. This level of trade ensures that Japan remains Ireland’s strategic partner in Asia and the cornerstone of the Irish Government’s Asia Strategy.’’
“It is also important that we recognise the role that Japan and Japanese companies have played in the development of the Irish economy,” said Mr Lynch. He noted that the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Japanese companies has been a major boost to the Irish economy. “In this regard Astellas has, since its arrival in Ireland, been an example of best practice in corporate social responsibility. Indeed, Astellas has not only committed itself fully to all aspects of its operation in Ireland, but has also encouraged other Japanese companies to invest in Ireland,” said Mr Lynch.
Mr Toshiaki Miyoshi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd, said that he was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the Astellas Group. He noted that there has been a great opportunity over the years to experience the different cultures in both Ireland and Japan. “Many of our Japanese colleagues have lived and worked in Ireland and likewise, many of our Irish staff have had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture through training and business trips to Japan,” said Mr Miyoshi. He noted that there has also been a major merging of the two cultures of a completely different type as some of the company’s Irish staff have married people from Japan and are now raising families in Ireland.
Mr Miyoshi said: “Winning the Irish Exporters Association’s Japan 50 Trophy recognises the deep commitment that Astellas makes to running its business in a socially responsible way and the work of our staff, past and present.” In conclusion, Mr Miyhoshi thanked the Irish Exporters Association, the Industrial Development Authority, the Irish Japan Association, the Japanese Embassy, the Japanese Business Society and all other associations that have supported the company in Ireland.
(Ends)
For Further Information contact:
Mr John Whelan
Chief Executive
Irish Exporters Association
Telephone: + 353 1 661 2182
Fax: + 353 1 661 2315
Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.ie
 |
 |
