The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), the voice of the export industry in Ireland, today published Visa and Legalisation statistics from the IEA Consular Services Department for the first six months of 2019. A full infographic can be found here.
Compared to the same period in 2018, China, Russia and India remain the Top-3 destinations for Irish exporting businesses requiring Visa documentation. On document legalisation, the top-5 countries China, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Vietnam represent more than 28% of all documentation requests.
Commenting on today’s release, Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, commented: “We are delighted to today release the H1 2019 Visa and Legalisation statistics from the IEA Consular Services Department. The Visa and Legalisation statistics remain a good and strong indicator of where Irish exporters are travelling and the countries they already trade with and consider trading with.”
“The continuing demand for Visa applications for China and other countries in the Far and Middle East continues to highlight the importance of those markets for Irish businesses”
“As such, the demand highlighted through today’s numbers greatly corresponds to our trade relationships with these markets. It is, however, important to stress that today’s Visa statistics are focused on countries Irish businesses leaders must apply for business visas.”
He added: “The statistics on documentation legalisation are a strong indication of the strength Ireland-based traders have with various countries outside the EU Customs Union. In this context, Norway’s ranking is significantly noteworthy in light of Brexit and the UK’s expected exit from the EU Customs Union.”
About the Irish Exporters Association
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) assists its members to grow their exports to world markets. We drive and support the growth and development of all exporting businesses based in Ireland. Going forward we have realigned and redeveloped our strategy to support our members to grow their exports to world markets.
Represent the needs of members in the development of policy, lobbying, intervention at government level and in the media. Brexit and the Diversification of Export Markets, Cost Competitiveness, the War for Talent and Entrepreneurship are at the core.
Trade Services include practical training, support and consultancy right across the supply chain including customs awareness and audits, export and import compliance, consular, business travel support, route to market and general assistance with trade related queries.
Knowledge Networks will support members to:
- Explore new markets
- Route to market scenario planning
- Understand customs and supply chain challenges
- Provide thought leadership through a series of events and webinars
Networking and connectivity remain an important part of membership benefits.
The IEA represent the whole spectrum of companies within the export industry including SME’s who are beginning to think about exporting for the first time right through to global multinational companies who are already extensively exporting from Ireland as well as the providers of key services to the sector.
It is the connecting force for Irish exporters, providing practical knowledge and support across the island of Ireland and in foreign markets.