NZ Ireland Agribusiness Relationship Thriving

“It seems counterintuitive that an important market for Irish agriculture could also be a major competitor. But despite the great distance that separates them, a lucrative commercial relationship exists between Ireland and New Zealand,” Enterprise Ireland director for Australia and New Zealand Mary Kinnane writes for the Irish Independent.

“The two countries share strong historical links, innumerable social and cultural ties and, in many cases, deep personal connections that help business relationships.”

“With a long history in farming, agribusiness has emerged as a key pillar of Irish innovation and today several of our companies are world leaders in their specialised fields.”

“So it should come as no surprise that New Zealand, a country in which agriculture accounts for about 60 per cent of exports and is the largest part of the tradeable economy, should be a market for specialist Irish equipment.”

“New Zealanders are hugely impressed with the inventiveness of Irish agribusiness and the supports around it such as the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, which provides breeding information to the dairy and beef industries.”

“Opportunities for collaboration between Ireland and New Zealand – from research, advice, inputs, production and final product – unquestionably exist in this healthy and stable economy. As the Maori saying goes, Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi (‘With your basket and my basket, the people will live’).”

Original article by Mary Kinnane, Irish Independent, June 26, 2016.