The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), the voice of Irish exporters, on Thursday evening welcomed the graduation of 42 businesspeople in its Certificate in International Trade. They included our very own Bernie Ahern. Bernie Ahern has been a valuable and loyal member of the Ingredient Solutions team for 14 years. The 2019 IEA graduates were joined by the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Niall Burgess who spoke about the importance of customs expertise in Ireland at present.
The IEA qualification, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, brings together the practical and operational aspects of international trading. The professional qualification is of particular importance given the UK’s departure from the EU and the new trading arrangements that will be negotiated in the weeks and months ahead.
Simon McKeever, CEO, Irish Exporters Association commented:
“With negotiations on a future trade deal between the EU and UK due to commence, the relevance of the IEA’s Certificate in International Trade is particularly valuable to any business exporting to or importing from the UK and any country outside of the EU Single Market. Given that the current trading arrangements enjoyed by the EU-27 and the UK will not be the same from 1 January 2021, businesses need to be prepared.
The Withdrawal agreement came into force on 1 February, prompting the next phase in the Brexit process – forging a new trading arrangement. While Irish businesses heaved a sigh of relief when an agreement was reached, there is still an enormous amount of work to be done and we cannot afford to become complacent. At a minimum we expect a massive increase in the amount of paperwork which will need to be filed. Practical skills and an understanding of the international trading environment will support businesses operating in turbulent trading times.
I would like to thank our President David Carthy, former IEA President Marie Armstrong, Martin McVicar of Combilift, John Mee, Supply Chain Excellence and Business Analytics Manager Glanbia and the members of the Steering committee (Glanbia, Intel, Combilift, DB Schenker, Alba Consulting) for your support in bringing this certificate to fruition.
My congratulations to the graduates. I would like to thank the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Niall Burgess, for his support and the support of his department.”
Niall Burgess, Secretary General Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said:
“Knowledge of international trade requirements is vital for companies as they work to diversify their markets. I am delighted to have had this opportunity to present the first certificates awarded by the Irish Exporters Association aimed at supporting and promoting practical on the job training in this important skillset. “
The IEA Certificate in International Trade was launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Simon Coveney, T.D., a year ago (13 February 2019) alongside the then President of the IEA Marie Armstrong, IEA CEO Simon McKeever and the Managing Director of Combilift Martin McVicar.