Technology

Dublin’s Silicon Docks

The nickname alludes to Silicon Valley, and was embraced to illustrate the concentration of European headquarters of high-tech companies Dublin’s docklands were historically a symbol of industrial decline, but today is home to many multinationals including: Google, Accenture, Microsoft, PayPal, eBay, Facebook, Intel, Huawei, Etsy, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Ireland’s tech sector consists of nine of the top ten US technology companies, eight of…
Irish Produce Conquers Global Markets

The Irish agri-food sector is diversifying its markets and pioneered the approach to sustainable food production Agri-food is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, employing over 8.4% of the working population, and when employment in marketing, processing and inputs are included, the agri-food sector accounts for nearly 10% of total employment. The sector largely contributes to the…
An Inside Look at Ireland’s Economic Growth

Ireland’s polished business ecosystem caters to foreign direct investment and nurtures innovation. The global footprint of Irish companies has never been greater Walking through the cobblestone streets of Dublin, the juxtaposition of modern buildings wedged between historic Georgian brick offices represents the tidal wave of change foreign direct investment has implemented across the nation. Growth…
Discover Meath: The Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East

Meath County has a colorful history, stemming as the seat of the High King of Ireland, and as such has been colloquially dubbed “The Royal County.” It is home to the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site: Newgrange, an ancient burial site older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The County’s significance is also…
Cork: Ireland’s Second Largest Economic Driver

On track to be the fastest growing county over the next two decades Overlooking the colorful city with a winding river and emerald rolling hills surrounding the parameter, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, was proud to showcase his county. Cork is the largest county in Ireland, and home to the second most…
Manufacturing: Ireland’s Second Largest Employer

With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart factories and innovative supply chain integration is transforming the manufacturing sector Manufacturing accounts for over 30% of GDP, 122 billion euro in exports, and employs 250,000 people across 4,000 businesses in Ireland. “Manufacturing is not the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they think…
Solving Ireland’s Mobility Challenges

Anyone visiting Ireland will notice a deficit in transport infrastructure services, impacting mobility for residents and tourists. Dublin remains one of the last major European capitals lacking a rail connection between downtown and the main international airport. Also, the interconnectivity and reliability of city trains, trams, and bus networks are lagging. However, there is a…
Interview: Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council

Sligo Witnessing Unprecedented Investment Ireland’s new hub for innovation? Sligo is not only a stunning location for tourism, but also a highly practical destination for business, with attractive incentives, high levels of infrastructure, and the ambition to become a ‘smart city.’ What is Sligo’s track record for attracting multinationals? Sligo has an established track record of…
Interview: Seamus Neely, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council

Donegal’s FinTech Hub Develops Letterkenny designated Regional Growth Center in the National Planning Framework How do you assess Donegal’s economy? Donegal’s economy is performing strongly, and employment is on the rise. The county has a thriving fin-tech hub, and a significant FDI track record. 75% of investors are continuously growing their operations and Donegal’s indigenous…
Interview: Dr. Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive, Westmeath County Council

Westmeath: In the Heart of Ireland How do you assess Westmeath’s economy? Westmeath’s two biggest towns, Athlone and Mullingar, have their own distinct economies that have developed backed by the regions central location, developed motorway network, excellent utilities, and highly educated workforce. Mullingar is one hour from Dublin by car, train or bus and has…
Interview: Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council

Louth County: The Land of Legends Although Louth may be Ireland’s smallest county, it has plenty to offer. It is the second most densely populated county in the nation, outside of Dublin. The majority of Louth’s population resides in its two largest towns of Drogheda and Dundalk. Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council…
Interview: Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council

Kerry: A Stunning Place to Work Quality of life, the availability of a skilled workforce, ease of access, fiber-based broadband and government incentives combine to provide a positive business environment How are Ireland’s rural regions developing? There currently is a strong national focus on the development of Ireland’s regions and their improved interconnectivity. Kerry increasingly…
Ireland’s Booming Data Center Scene

New design and build model leads to fastest delivery of a 10 MW data center in Europe By the end of 2019, Dublin is set to outstrip London as the biggest European data center market by take-up of data center space – both colocation hubs and hyper scale self-builds. Within this thriving sector, business success…
Interview: Mark Foley, Group CEO, EirGrid Group

Powering Ireland’s Economic Development What advantages does Ireland offer energy intensive industries? We have a proud history of supporting FDI in Ireland, and the nation remains the premier European country in terms of attractiveness. It started with the pharmaceutical industry, then the tech firms, and more recently the data center industry has arrived. Ireland’s transmission…
At the Forefront of a Low-Carbon Revolution

Ireland is allocating 22 billion euro to transform into a low-carbon economy by 2050. The private sector in turn is doing its part to export its own expertise globally Martin Naughton is one of Ireland’s most prominent industrialists and philanthropists. His efforts in promoting the private sector’s contribution to peace and environmental sustainability led him…
Interview: Joe McGinley, CEO, Iconic Offices

Dublin’s Most Iconic Flexible Workspace Increases its Unique Property Portfolio In a complicated business world, flexible workspace solutions are a tactical advantage How do you evaluate Dublin’s property market? Dublin is in the latter stages of a cycle, and sourcing new locations is increasingly complicated. Wealthy, primarily technology, companies are driving up prices and tenants…
Interview: Mark O’Sullivan, Partner, Matheson

A decade after the financial crisis, Ireland retains a strong globalized business model. Corporate business investment is at record levels and collectively, US multinational investments amount to $387bn, representing 67% of all foreign direct investment in Ireland and 12% of US investment in the EU. What core facts best highlight Ireland’s role as a gateway…
Egypt’s banking sector remains resilient

Banks retain strong credit growth, profitability, funding, liquidity, and loan profiles. The sector is extremely optimistic about its growth prospects in 2019. According to a Mckinsey Egypt and Morocco are among the top emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. 2016 was a particularly active year for the financial sector with the…
Interview: Prof Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail, President, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASMT)

The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport is a regional university operated by the Arab League which runs programs in marine transportation, business, engineering and is quickly growing its curriculum to ensure recent graduates meet labor market requirements. Established in 1972, the multi-purpose & multi-task institution specialized on offering its services to Arab…
Interview: Ahmed Hafez, CEO, Ideal Standard MENA

Ideal Standard designs, manufactures and supplies bathroom innovations for residential, commercial and institutional buildings. They operate through 47 factories around the globe, 6 of which are in Egypt’s 10th of Ramadan City. Ideal standard has had a MENA region presence since the 1960s and is celebrating its 35th anniversary in the Egyptian market. How do…
Interview: Albert Gress, Country Manager Egypt, SDX Energy

SDX Energy is a North Africa focused international E&P business with high margin producing assets and a transformational exploration upside. It engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas primarily in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Morocco. Net production: 3,237 boe/d, 2P reserves: 13.5 mmboe. The company is cash flow…
Interview: Hala Helmy El-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Administrative Reform of Egypt

The Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform’s vision is to ensure efficient planning and management of the state’s public investments. It seeks sustainable economic development by ensuring the state’s administrative body becomes increasingly more effective, efficient, and capable of managing state resources to provide quality services to citizens. How do you assess Vision 2030’s…
The Ministry of Health is implementing an ambitious plan to develop and modernize public hospitals and treatment centers throughout Egypt

According to the United Nations, Egypt’s population surpassed 100 million in 2018. This has caused health infrastructure to suffer under the pressure of the growing population. In 2014 Egypt had 1.5 beds per 1 000 of the population, this decreased to 1.46 in 2015 and 1.36 in 2016. Egypt’s infrastructure and services require exponential growth…
Fastest growing tourist destination globally

The government is actively pushing to reposition Egypt’s tourism and return it to its pre-revolution glory days. Egypt’s tourism sector has historically been a vital driver of the economy and a critical source of foreign currency. Its historical heritage has and will continue to attract global wonder which in itself has caused underinvestment in crucial…