Focus on Asian trade at two-day summit in Limerick

RESEARCH organisation Asia Matters is hosting a major business summit in Limerick this week.

The group has teamed up with University of Limerick (UL), Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chamber for the summit, which is taking place this Thursday and Friday.

It’s taking place on campus at UL.

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The aim of the event is to equip enterprises with the knowledge, strategies and networks needed to trade with the Asian continent.

“This summit is taking place at a critical moment for global business - clearly the centre of the world’s economic gravity has already shifted to Asia,” said Martin Murray, executive director, Asia Matters.

He added: “Asia is at the forefront of global change - economically, technologically, and demographically. For Ireland, deeper engagement with Asia is not just an opportunity, but a necessity. As an open globalised economy, our future competitiveness depends on building stronger, more resilient ties with the world’s most dynamic region.”

He described the Mid-West as an “economic powerhouse”, adding: “There are significant export opportunities for Irish firms in Asia and the Middle East at the moment.”

“UL is proud to partner with Asia Matters for this significant business summit. Our university has established key partnerships across Asia, reflecting our commitment to fostering global collaboration and innovation,” Prof Shane Kilcommins, UL’s acting president said.

There are a number of high-profile speakers at the event.

In this number are their excellencies Hassan Saeed H Aljomae, ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Aisha Farooqui, ambassador of Pakistan and Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, the ambassador of United Arab Emirates.