Ireland’s only Asia think tank, Asia Matters, is hosting a major business summit in Limerick on May 15 and 16 in partnership with University of Limerick, Limerick City and County Council and supported by Limerick Chamber.
The Summit will equip Irish enterprises with the knowledge, strategies and networks needed to successfully do business with Asia. Speakers including key government representatives, industry leaders and academic experts will share insights into trade, investment, regulatory compliance and cross-cultural collaboration with Asia.
The theme of the Asia Matters Business Summit Limerick is Asia Now – the New Dynamics of Global Business.
“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. “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."
“The region plays a strategic role in the diversification of Ireland's sources of FDI and there are significant export opportunities for Irish firms in Asia and the Middle East at the moment,” said Mr Murray. “The region is an economic powerhouse, with demand for quality products and services from global best in class Irish businesses in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, agribusiness and education”
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran stated
“In a world where strengthening ties and building relationships means more than ever, Limerick must not just watch the wave the world’s economy is on – it must overcome it. Asia Matters bringing this event here isn’t just symbolic, it’s a signal: we’re open, we’re ready and we’re serious about doing business globally. Asia will have a huge part in shaping the world’s economic future and Limerick - with our energy, education and ambition – belongs at that table. If Limerick wants to grow, we need to think big, act bold and do business with the future in mind.”
Limerick is a long established and proven location for international business and is also Ireland’s most future focused city, committed to innovation and economic growth. In February, for the third year running, Limerick has emerged as a major winner at the fdi Intelligence European and Regions of the Future Awards which benchmarks the most promising destinations across Europe. Judges praised Limerick for its “highly skilled workforce”, noting “many companies choose Limerick as a destination for their foreign investment. Limerick impressed the judges with its FDI strategy on nurturing and growing a local technology ecosystem, focusing on medtech, filmtech and fintech.”
"University of Limerick 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. This summit is an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties and share knowledge that will benefit both our local and international communities. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance Limerick's position as a hub for international business and education. Together, we can build a future that is inclusive, dynamic, and full of opportunities. I look forward to engaging with leaders and experts at the summit and exploring new avenues for University of Limerick collaborations both at home and abroad" advised Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President University of Limerick
On bringing the Summit to Limerick, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly stated
"We are delighted to welcome Asia Matters to Limerick for this pivotal summit. Amidst great economic uncertainty globally, establishing firm international relationships is even more crucial than ever. Limerick's strategic location serves as a gateway to both Europe and the Americas. By leveraging this unique position, we can foster deeper economic, social and cultural connections with Asia, navigate the complexities of the global economy, and build a more resilient future together."
Michelle Gallagher, CEO, Limerick Chamber added
“Asia represents a significant and immediate growth opportunity for Irish business. By bringing this summit to Limerick, we’re connecting our enterprises directly to the networks and insights they need to scale in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
Speakers at the Summit include John Moran, Mayor of Limerick , Professor Shane Kilcommins, President of The University of Limerick, James O’Connor TD, Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, H. E. Mr. Hassan Saeed H Aljomae, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mrs. Aisha Farooqui, Ambassador of Pakistan and H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, Ambassador of The United Arab Emirates, Deepak Chaudhari, Country Head Ireland at Tata Consultancy Services, Ronnie Downes, Assistant Secretary, Head of Trade Development & Regulation, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Leo McAdams, Divisional Manager Investment Services Division, Enterprise Ireland, Anne Barrett, Director of Trade Regulation and Investment Screening Unit, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Leo Clancy, Chief Executive Officer, Ei Electronics, John O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer, YieldHUB, Dr. Pat Daly, Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Professor Patrick Paul Walsh Vice President of Education at UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Hideo Yura, Director General, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) London, Faye Wongso, Founder & Chairperson, KUMPUL Indonesia, Donal Boylan, Founding Partner BCAP Hong Kong and Member of The Board of Directors, VietJet Air, Jim Power, Leading Economist and Colin Moran, Head of Lending, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
For further Summit details and registration, click here