Cross Border conference to look at trading
DUNDALK and Newry Chambers of Commerce have come together to host a major conference on March 10 which will focus on sustaining and building cross border trade post Brexit.
With over 200 people already registered to attend, the online conference will include contributions from An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, TD and Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, MLA.
Recognising the importance of the conference, it is supported by InterTradeIreland, Louth County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Local Enterprise Office Louth, and the M1 Corridor Project.
‘Just over two months after the end of the transition period this cross-border conference will provide businesses with an update on the challenges, opportunities and support that is available. Dundalk – Newry is an important economic region. In this post Brexit period, it is vital that we work to ensure that businesses in this border region have the support to help them grow,’ Sean Farrell, President Dundalk Chamber said.
The opportunity to work again with Dundalk Chamber on this important cross border conference has been welcomed by the President of Newry Chamber, Emma Mullen-Marmion.
Now more than ever it is important that we reinforce messages around cross border cooperation and trade. Despite Brexit, the relationship between our two chambers remains strong and we are committed to ensuring the gains of the last 20 years and the development of the All-Ireland economy are not lost,’ she said.
The conference will also provide a range of supports and advice to local businesses on building cross border trade. Welcoming their involvement in the programme, :
‘InterTradeIreland is proud to sponsor the Newry & Dundalk Chamber’s annual cross-border conference. This year’s event, which focuses on the topic of sustaining and building cross-border trade, will provide valuable information and guidance to cross border-border companies who may be concerned about adjusting to the new trading environment. The good news however is that there are supports available, including our dedicated Brexit Advisory Service team, who continue to offer support and advice to cross-border traders during these challenging times,’ said Margaret Hearty, Director of Programmes & Business Services at InterTradeIreland.
Other confirmed speakers include Oliver Mangan, Chief Economist at AIB, who will provide an overview of the Irish Economy post Brexit and COVID-19. The Chief Executive of Newry Mourne and Down Council, Marie Ward and the Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, will deliver a joint presentation on the theme of Newry-Dundalk, A Prospectus for Growth.
The conference recognises the important role for local councils in developing and sustaining cross border cooperation. Louth and Newry Mourne and Down Councils are also principal sponsors of the Conference.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Dolores Minogue is also supporting the conference.
‘I am delighted to support this conference, which builds on the continuing North-South cooperation in the region. I look forward to jointly opening the event on March 10 and to welcoming local businesses looking to develop trade opportunities North–South and East–West.”
‘Local Government has an important role to play in the economic recovery and growth of our cross-border region. Despite Brexit, there are real opportunities for businesses to grow their cross-border trade and to benefit from our unique position on the Eastern Economic Corridor,’ Councillor Laura Devlin, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down Council said