Governor Doyle to Lead Trade, Investment Mission to Ireland and United Kingdom

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle will lead a delegation of Wisconsin business and government leaders to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 10-14, 2008.  The trade mission will provide participants with opportunities to meet with distributors, potential customers, and key business and government officials.  The Governor will also promote investment by European companies in Wisconsin.  Organizations or individuals interested in seeking foreign companies to locate here are also welcome to participate on the mission.


 


“Reaching new markets is an important key to business growth,” said Governor Doyle. “These two markets offer great opportunities for Wisconsin firms.  By joining the mission, businesses can gain firsthand knowledge of these markers and develop sound export strategies.”


 


The United Kingdom is Wisconsin’s 5th largest export destination and most significant trading partner in all of Europe.  Exports from Wisconsin to the UK have consistently grown over the years and totaled over $686 million in 2006.  The UK has the fourth-largest economy in the world, is the second-largest economy in the European Union (EU), and is a major international trading power.  Real GDP, which expanded by 2.8 percent in 2006, is forecast to grow by 2.6 percent in 2007 and 2.3 percent in 2008.  The economy is one of the strongest in Europe and is highly developed, diversified, and market-based.


 


Ireland continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the EU and is now entering its thirteenth consecutive year of economic growth.  The Irish economy is extremely open to and dependant upon international trade and is a very receptive market to U.S. products.  Ireland is Wisconsin’s 33rd largest export destination and purchased over $62.1 million in Wisconsin goods in 2006.  Dublin is considered a model international financial services center and continues to spearhead Ireland’s economic growth. 


 


The mission is open to all Wisconsin companies interested in establishing or expanding their sales in these countries or organizations interested in attracting foreign investment.  For further information, contact Mary Regel, Commerce, 608-266-1767 or mary.regel@wisconsin.gov.