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The Asia-Pacific Ireland Business Forum, In Association with Business & Finance will take place in Hong Kong, September 24th 2010

The future is Asia. That's where the growth is and that's where the opportunities are. The traditional export locations of Europe and the US are looking less likely in the coming years. Meanwhile there is a consumer boom in mainland China - the engine of Asia - and Asian economies have come through the financial crisis with a degree of stability that might make the developed economies of the west green with envy.  

Where is Ireland in all this? Ireland has taken tough decisions early. With continuing rigour in the ongoing workout of its economic woes, Ireland looks well-positioned to regain its competitiveness, vigour and flexibility. The time to look for new homes for Irish innovation is now. The reticence that has held back business opportunities in Asia must be consigned to the past. The excuses of the region being too far away, too different, having a strange culture and a different language are not viable reasons to turn away from the vast opportunities the region has to offer.

A good chance to get better acquainted with Asia occurs in September this year. The fourth annual Asia-Pacific Ireland Business Forum in association with Business & Finance will take place in Hong Kong on September 24th. This is a unique event that brings together senior executives and decision makers from a broad canvas of industry sectors and is the largest gathering in Asia of Irish business professionals in Asia, and of those with an interest in business in Ireland. This event has been building from year-to-year, and this year promises to reach a new level in bringing real practical business content to the attending delegates. The objectives this year are to:

• Provide practical focussed guidance and support to Irish businesses in Asia.
• Provide a platform for businesses in Asia to connect with business partners in Ireland.
• Facilitate networking amongst Irish professionals based in Asia.
• Facilitate integration of Irish professionals in Asia with local business communities.
• Facilitate exchange of insights into regional markets in Asia.
• Promote Ireland as an investment location in itself and as a hub for investments in the EU.

A key feature of the forum will be the presentation of the Business & Finance Asia Pacific / Ireland Awards during the course of a gala lunch during the event. 

The event programme will include:

• Pre-forum drinks at a venue in Hong Kong.
• Facilitated networking during the forum.
• Panel presentation on Irish business in Asia.
• Keynote addresses from leading economists in respect of the business environment in Europe and Asia.
• Sector specific workshops on financial services, information technology, food and life sciences, and supply chain management.
• Briefing session on investment structures to access mainland China, and to access the EU through Ireland.
• Updates on Farmleigh initiatives, the Global Irish Network and other government programmes.

The forum is hosted on the cusp of the Asian Gaelic Games, which will attract over 1,000 players this year. This provides a platform that brings the brightest and the best of the Irish diaspora to one location for a weekend each year. With the support of the GAA, the APIBF organises a one-day conference on the eve of the Asian Gaelic Games with the intention that the allure of the games will act as a magnet to bring the great and the good of the Irish business community in Asia together.

This year, this strong foundation has encouraged the organisers to reach out to create a virtuous circle of delegates. With the support of key businessmen and government and trade bodies in Ireland, significant effort has been put in to attracting delegates from Ireland. Many trade associations will organise an Asian trade mission on an annual basis, typically to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Planning that trade mission to coincide with and leverage off the forum makes business sense from so many angles. This has allowed the organisers to reach out to the Hong Kong government and trade bodies to encourage local businesses to look at becoming involved in the forum. And so, a virtuous circle - Irish businesses in Asia, Irish businesses visiting Asia, and local businesses connecting with both.

Allied with this is the strong initiative to provide real practical business connection and trade facilitation. Early registration is being encouraged, and requires delegates to identify a "wish list" of business sectors that are of interest to them. This will be instrumental in the day's proceedings, when facilitators will make sure that those wishes are fulfilled. The decision to break into industry sector workshops is also motivated by a desire to make sure people are involved in areas of interest at all stages during the event.

This event is not just a one-day conference that will leave you with fond memories; it marks the advent of a new trend - the Irish diaspora leading business development in an integrated global context. This is why Business & Finance Media Group is involved and supporting the initiative. In the coming months, you will see more Asia-focused content. We will report on success stories. We will highlight opportunities. We will warn you of risks. We will highlight the people who can help you with your Asian business plan. This year, we will be presenting the Business & Finance Asia Pacific Ireland Awards 2010 at the forum. In coming years, you might be on that platform receiving that recognition from your peers. 

The time to start working to that is now. 

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