Local Enterprise Europe Network can Help SMEs Innovate and Grow Internationally.

The EU Commission has set out its trade strategy for the coming years. Positively, it has a strong emphasis on empowering SMEs to trade internationally, along with the commitment to do more to enforce trade rules.

Chambers Ireland has highlighted that the success of this strategy in Ireland will require the development of a National Action Plan for Trade which should include building the awareness and capacity of Irish SMEs to engage with EU Free Trade Agreements which guarantee significant tariff reductions products for export as well as tackling a number of non- tariff barriers. Recent trade agreements include Canada, Japan and Vietnam with Australia, New Zealand and Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) expected in coming years.

In tandem, SMEs should be supported to trade within the EU Single Market and uptake boosted in support programmes such as Enterprise Europe Network. If you would like to find out more about Enterprise Europe Network, we have a local rep at Cork Chamber which is a free service offering support and advice to help SMEs to internationalise. 

Find out more about Enterprise Europe Network HERE