🇮🇪🇫🇷That’s a wrap on the inaugural Ireland-France Economic Forum!
Building on the current momentum in our economic and trade relationship, this first forum was a valuable exchange between Irish and French policymakers and business leaders, exploring new avenues for cooperation towards a more innovative, green and competitive European future.
Organised in partnership by Embassy of Ireland in France, the Embassy of France in Ireland and the state agencies Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Business France, discussions were expertly moderated by Irish journalist Sarah Collins.
Some key highlights:
🚀 In our ‘Innovation in and for Europe’ panel, Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Declan Hughes, highlighted the positive effects of EU cooperation projects in promoting enduring economic and research links, key for a more competitive Europe. Olivier Halimi, of AQMetrics spoke of the complementary strengths of France and Ireland's tech sectors, and how to draw from this synergy. Niamh Donnelly of Akara Robotics recalled Europe’s strength in facilitating research, yet the challenge of scaling up, which must be reinforced to accelerate start-ups. Meanwhile, Géraldine Leveau of the French General Secretariat for Investment outlined the 'France 2030' plan, which has innovation at its core.
🇪🇺 ‘A Conversation on Competitiveness’ centred on the Draghi report, with Matthieu Landon, Economic Advisor to President Macron, underlining the importance of such intra-European dialogue in facilitating a shared EU agenda. CEO of Stripe Technology Europe Ltd., Barbara O'Beirne offered an industry reaction, highlighting concrete steps necessary to build tech champions.
🌱 In ‘Enabling green transition’, Secretary General of the Department of Energy, Climate and Communications, Oonagh Buckley, highlighted Ireland and France’s potential to deliver major strategic projects for the EU, such as the Celtic Interconnector. Barbara Pompili of the General Secretariat for Ecological Planning reflected on the role of policy maker and stakeholders collaboration, presenting the “France Green Nation” plan. Conor O'Riain and Eva Vandest of Franco-Irish firms Ecocem Global and Amarenco, spoke of their companies’ dedication to developing low-carbon technologies, crucial in the transition towards a sustainable future.
The forum shone a light on Irish and French business leader's excellence - further celebrated that evening at the annual Ireland France Business Awards organised by NetworkIrlande, La Chambre de Commerce et de l'Industrie Franco-Irlandaise and the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce.
With closing remarks from Céline Place, Ambassador of France to Ireland, the key takeaway was the huge potential to further deepen our economic links across innovation and research, sustainability, energy and supporting innovative companies to scale in Europe.
We look forward to the next edition in Dublin next year!
