Economic of CountryThe Irish economy is small and highly open. The value of internationally traded goods and services in 2012 was equivalent to 191 per cent of GDP, which amounted to 164 billion for the year. Compared to 2000, this represents an increase in the size of internationally traded goods of 5.3 percent (or 9.7 percentage points see Figure 1) Services are the largest component of Irish output: in 2012 they accounted for 67 per cent of gross value added at factor cost, while industry and agriculture represented 31 per cent and 2 per cent of gross value added, respectively (Figure 2). Pharmaceutical products, computer and electronic products, and food accounted for 34.5 per cent, 17.2 per cent and 16.5 per cent of total gross industrial output in 2009. Irelands population has grown strongly over the past decade. In 2011 it was 4.6 million, up 17 per cent from 2002. With an average age of 36.1 per cent in 2011, the population is relatively young compared to the rest of the EU.

Figure 1: Size and Openness of the Irish Economy: 2000 2012

Figure 2: Gross Value Added at Factor Cost by Sector of Origin: 2012

This is how the economy performed during 2007-2009: (Real growth rate)

2009: -7.5%2008: -3%2007: 6%As the rate declined, the GDP also declined significantly. The following figures show how the GDP fared during 2007-2009:2009: $177 billion2009: $177 billion2007: $197.2 billion

From agriculture to being a service-dominated economy, Irelands economy has made the transition very effectively. It has been helped by FDIs and the real estate market. In terms of contribution to the national GDP, services contributed the maximum at 49%, industries came in second with 46%, while agriculture contributed 5%

Employment was generated the maximum by the service sector, which employed 67% of the labor force. The industries accounted for 27% and agriculture for 6% of the employment. The unemployment rate, however, remained at 12%

Ireland's Competitiveness Performance Last 3 YearIreland's Competitiveness Performance assesses Ireland's international competitiveness in relation to our key competitors across more than forty competitiveness indicators in the areas of costs, productivity and innovation, labor market and skills, investment and infrastructure, the business environment and quality of life and sustainability. It provides an assessment of our strengths and our weakness and will assist policymakers in determining the policies needed to ensure Ireland is a more competitive location in which to do business.

Each year the NCC publishes a report benchmarking Ireland's competitiveness performance. Ireland's Competitiveness Scorecard (previously named Benchmarking Ireland's Performance), prepared for the Council by Forfs, provides a comprehensive assessment of Ireland's competitiveness performance, using over 125 statistical indicators. The indicators are drawn from data sources such as Forfs, OECD, Eurostat, CSO and others.

welcomed the news that the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2013 saw Ireland rise 3 places to number 17 in overall competitiveness rankings. Ireland also made significant improvements in areas including government finances, growth and inflation. More than half the executives surveyed for the report identified a competitive tax regime, skilled workforce, business friendly environment, and high educational levels as key attractiveness factors in Ireland.Ireland ranks:

3rd for availability of skilled labor 1st for flexibility and adaptability of workforce 1st for attitudes to globalization 1st for investment incentives

Irelands results in this survey show that our countrys value proposition as a location for FDI continues to improve despite strong competition from other countries and on-going global economic challenges.

IMD said the US had regained the lead due to a revival in its financial sector and the success of its technology companies.

The Swiss-based business school said the success of leading European economies was based on export-oriented manufacturing, a diverse range of activity, fiscal discipline and a strong SME sector.

The IDA welcomed Irelands improved position and said that the country had also improved in areas like growth and inflation.

The agency said Ireland also ranked first for investment incentives, attitudes to globalization and for flexibility of the workforce.

Emerging Sector for Investment (FDI) IDA Ireland has created info graphic to showcase some of the key industry sectors such as ICT, pharmacy, life sciences, digital and social media, plus gaming, that are attracting global companies to set up Irish bases.Ireland now ranks first in the world for value of investment projects and second in the world for inward investment per capita. That's according to IBM's 2011 Global Location Trends Report, as reflected in the new IDA info graphic Key statistics from the IDAThere are now 1,004 overseas companies with Irish bases. These companies employ 146,000 people between them and contribute to 110bn in total exports. Where Ireland's FDI exports go:EU - 49pcNorth America - 25pcAsia - 10pcOther European - 9pcElsewhere - 7pc.

Ireland offers investors:A thriving RD&I sector, with strong Government support for productive collaboration between industry and academia.A strong legal framework for development, exploitation and protection of Intellectual Property rights.Strategic location with easy access to the EMEA region.Excellent IT skills and infrastructure.An advanced telecommunications infrastructure, with state-of-the-art optical networks and international connectivity.Strategic clusters of leading global companies in Life Sciences, ICT, Engineering, Services, Digital Media, and Consumer Brands.An established reputation as a hub for business process improvement across EMEA.Irish competitiveness has improved significantly: business costs including energy, private rents, office rents, services, construction and labor have all become more competitive.

Business Sectors Ireland is one of Europes leading locations for Business Services Companies due to high quality IT, financial and HR skills. We continue to attract shared services operations togs well as more sophisticated and diverse regional headquarters operations from these companies Ireland is one of Europes leading locations for Business Services Companies due to high quality IT, financial and HR skills. We continue to attract shared services operations to serve European and global markets as well as more sophisticated and diverse regional headquarters operations from these companiesIreland offers a low-risk, quick start-up, high-performance, knowledge economy to this sectorConsumer ProductsThe Irish experience for Consumer Products and Services covers every aspect of business and highlights the diversity of expertise available for EMEA and globally focused multinationals operating internationally from IrelandOver 70 international consumer product companies have recognized Ireland as the ideal location for their activities

Clean TechnologyIreland has the ambition and potential to become a major hub for investment in the rapidly developing Clean Technology sector. Our strategic location is a natural advantage for the generation of many renewable energy sources and is backed by a high level of relevant skills and experience, a thriving RD&I environment and supportive government policies.GE Energy & Airtricity developed the worlds first commercial application of offshore wind turbines over 3 MW in size off Irelands East coastEntertainment & MediaGoogle and AOLs decisions to locate overseas operations in Ireland are proof of the dynamic nature of the Entertainment and Media sector in Ireland. Innovative Government initiatives such as the Digital Hub in Dublin underscore the drive to create an international center of excellence around digital media and technology in Ireland.A worldwide reputation for creativity and communication is expressed in this thriving sector

Industrial Products & ServicesLeading providers of industrial products and services have chosen Ireland as a location for sophisticated value added activities within their groups. Activities undertaken include high value manufacturing, supply chain management, research and development, international services and intellectual property management.Companies in Ireland are supported by high quality engineering services, university level research and advanced logisticsInformation & Communications TechnologiesThe ICT Sector in Ireland attracts global investment with 9 of the top 10 US ICT companies operating here. There are over 200 IDA supported ICT companies, directly employing approximately 36,000 people. They represent 22% of total exports, estimated at 35 billion. The ICT Sector continues to grow in Ireland as companies take advantage of the competitive environment, skill base and value propositionsIreland has one of the highest concentrations of ICT activity and employment in the OECD

ICT - Cloud Computing

Ireland is showing the world the way in fostering and delivering cloud computing services. Supported by a comprehensive strategic approach from government and IDA Ireland, many world leaders in cloud computing have already positioned themselves to take full advantage of the benefits Ireland has to offer.Ireland has the potential to become a world leader in the cloud computing industryInternational Financial Services

More than 250 Global financial institutions have established operations in Ireland, with many located in Dublins International Financial Services Centre. The IFSC was created by the Irish Government in 1987 to drive the development of the sector. The IFSC now houses many of the worlds leading financial institutions along with a sophisticated support network including accountancy, legal actuarial, taxation, regulatory, telecommunications and other services providers.

Life Sciences Pharmaceuticals

Through Foreign Direct Investment since the 1960s Ireland has grown a globally significant Life Sciences Sector. Life Science Companies in the areas of Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices and Diagnostics, employ 47,288 people between indigenous and multinational companies in a variety of activities.

Earlier Indian company and business in IrelandNorthern Ireland was the first region in Europe to offer 100 per cent broadband coverage and a number of companies from the island had set up shops in India, he pointed out.

He added that the Polaris tie-up was a partnership agreement and companies from India could set up operations in Northern Ireland through a variety of options.

He also said that the Indian IT company, HCL, which started its operations five years ago, had grown from 300 people to about 2000. HCL is reported to have invested close to $16 million in Northern Ireland

Indian technology and biotech companies and higher education institutes are increasingly teaming up with their counterparts in Ireland to develop innovative products and services for world markets. Both offer companies pools of well-educated, easily motivated and computer literate young people.

Furthermore, both India and Ireland value education as a route to growth and greater wealth. Education has been the bedrock of Irelands economic transformation into a knowledge society able to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities of a dynamic and globalising world

India is fast becoming a key market for Northern Ireland companies across a range of sectors including IT, biotechnology and consumer products.

Initiatives which we are planning will provide additional support to companies to seize the massive business opportunities in what is now one of the world's most dynamic markets.

First source is among a growing number of Indian companies like HCL, Polaris, PixTransmission and Tech Mahindra who have chosen to set up offices in the region that was, until recently, known for violence.

Free Tread Agreement The benefits of free international trade to Ireland Larger markets:Irish firms have free access to a market of over 350 million people who are high-income earners in the EU. This compares favorably to the 3.5 million people in Ireland. This larger market allows firms to expand and benefit from economies of scale. Imports:Firms are allowed to import raw materials, components and capital equipment without meeting barriers to trade such as tariffs and quotas. Reduces risk:A business selling to a wide range of foreign markets is less dependent and may be better able to survive an economic downturn. Unfortunately, Irish small to medium enterprises are too dependent on the UK market. The multinationals have taken full advantage of the bigger market. Economic growth:The fuel behind the Celtic Tiger has been the dramatic growth in Irish exports.

International cooperation:International trade encourages communication, understanding and cooperation, which reduce the chance of hostility. The World Trade Organization was established in 1995 with the aim of reducing or eliminating global barriers to trade. America's recent decision to put a 30 percent tariff on steel imports is against WTO agreements. This action threatens free trade. Specialization:Free trade means that Ireland does not have to try to be self-sufficient. Instead, we can specialize and produce a surplus, which can be traded on the international market. Ireland has a competitive advantage as a food producer. Choice and variety:A wider range of goods and services are available for consumption as a result of free trade and this gives rise to a higher standard of living. Standards:There is a pressure on domestic firms to meet the standards of international competition and this should translate into value for the customer. Ryan air is enjoying international success offering a competitively priced service.

Currently, the EFTA States have 26free trade agreements (covering 36 countries).

PAST Analysis

Political environment The Republic of Ireland is considered a stable government, as the system is a parliamentary one. The head of state is elected for seven years and can only once be reelected. People have become used to a coalition of parties to form a government as there has not been a single -party government since 1989. The current government form is a coalition of three parties.

Economical environment: The economy of Ireland has been through a transformation the last couple of years and has evolved from an agricultural focused economy to a recent knowledge economy. The mentioned knowledge economy is now mainly based on services and high-tech industries, constrained on trade, investment and industry. The economy growth averaged, according to research taken, a 10% from 1995-2000, and 7% from 2001-2004, an development which leads to the conclusion that industry, which accounts for 46% of the GDP (spitted in 80% of exports and 29% of labor force) now takes the place of the agricultural industry as the leading economic force. Furthermore there has been a significant rise in consumer spending habits, business investment and last but not least construction. Ireland is considered the largest exporter of services in the world.

Though it is worth mentioning that the IRA is still present to some point as the Sinn Fein party has its place in the current government, which gives the fear of terrorism a new importance. Ireland joined the European Union in 1973,which is definitely favorable for business. Irelands GDP is said to be the fifth highest according to the Human Development Index, which is calculated partially on the basis of GDP.The Gross National Income (GNI) per head averages at $ 41, 140, according to measurements of the World Bank. It is the seventh highest in the world, the sixth highest in Western Europe and even the third highest among any EU member state.

Social Environment: The official languages of Ireland are Irish and English. In addition to that most public notes are only in English as is most of the public press, a fact favorable for future business plans in Ireland. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary level of education are offered freely in Ireland to all E. U. citizens. Ireland is said to make good and thoughtful use of the European founds in contrast to many other countries. Ireland could now be considered mainly progressive in relation to social issues. For example changes relating to the legal status of divorce and abortion in Ireland prove that steps are being taken to change policies regarding these matters.

It may also be important to mention considering further business plans, that Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in workplaces. Furthermore Ireland is known for its traditional music scene and can also proudly present successful entertainment exports, especially in the late twentieth century, such as U2 and The Cranberries among many others. In addition to that Ireland's film industry can also be considered flourishing in the last couple of years. To sum up, Ireland seems to have a catholic, family oriented but also open structure of society.

Technological Environment: Ireland has 3 international airports, and Aer Lingus is the national airline. The route between London and Dublin is considered to be the busiest international air route in Europe. The significantly good infrastructure provides railway services (Dublin is the center of the network) and the public transport network is steadily improving. The road network is managed by the National Roads Authority or even by local authorities according to the area. Furthermore the excellent infrastructure offers regular ferry services which operate between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Technology is the final piece to this puzzle we have been trying to solve. Currently I would think technology is actually affecting areas of the property services industry such as management, sales and lettings, marketing and customer relations. As we become more and more fond of our devices and technologies, agencies must adapt to suit their market.

Ireland Trade: Exports

Irelands trade has been the reason for the nations prosperity. Although the recession devalued the sterling and forced the government to implement various strategies, foreign companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Google, eBay, Pfizer, Cadbury-Schweppes, Dell and Intel, have kept the exports alive through their wide range of products.

In 2009, the Irish export volume went down to $107.3 billion, from $119.8 billion in 2008. The main exported commodities were

Machinery and equipmentComputersChemicalsPharmaceuticalsLive animalsAnimal products

Features and Benefits Understanding gained from the country analysis report on Ireland can be used to plan business investments or market entry apart from a holistic view of the country. Political section on Ireland provides inputs about the political system, key figures in the country, and governance indicators. Economic section on Ireland outlines the economic story of the country to provide a balanced assessment on core macro-economic issues. Social section on Ireland enables understanding of customer demographics through the income distribution, rural-urban segmentation and centers of affluence, healthcare and educational scenario in the country. Technological section on Ireland provides strategic inputs on information communications and technology, technological laws and policies, technological gaps, patents data and relevant laws. Legal section on Ireland provides information about the legal structure, corporate laws, business set-up procedures and the tax regime. Environmental section provides information on environmental policies in Ireland and the performance in terms of important environmental indicators

Ireland financial and Technical Roll

Ireland has donated EUR455,000 (about CHF536,000) to the Internship Programmer for the Missions of Selected WTO Members in Geneva and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). With this new contribution, Irelands overall participation to WTO trust funds has now reached CHF9.5 million.

A first donation ofEUR330,000(about CHF390,000) was given to the Internship Programmer for the Missions of Selected WTO Members in Geneva. This Programmer helps missions from developing countries enhance their understanding of the multilateral trading system and trade policy in general.

A second donation ofEUR125,000(approximately CHF147,000) was offered to theStandards and Trade Development Facility(STDF) for 2011. This programmer was set up to help developing countries improve their expertise and their capacity to analyze and implement international standards on food safety and animal and plant health. The STDF is a joint initiative of the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) aims to reduce poverty in middle-income countries and creditworthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development through loans, guarantees, risk management products, and analytical and advisory services. Established in 1944 as the original institution of the World Bank Group, IBRD is structured like a cooperative that is owned and operated for the benefit of its188 member countries

IBRD raises most of its funds on the world's financial markets and has become one of the most established borrowers since issuing its first bond in 1947. The income that IBRD has generated over the years has allowed it to fund development activities and to ensure its financial strength, which enables it to borrow at low cost and offer clients good borrowing terms.

Contributions to Financial Intermediary Funds by Ireland As of 03/31/2012 2012 Amount in USD $28,013,127.00

Tax RegimeThe key features of Irelands Tax Regime

Corporate tax rate of 12.5% for active business.25% Research & Development (R&D) Tax CreditAn Intellectual Property (IP) regime which provides a tax write-off for broadly defined IP acquisitions.

Irelands Tax Regime also offers:

an attractive holding company regime, including participation exemption for gains on disposals of most shares;An effective zero tax rate for foreign dividends (12.5% tax rate on qualifying foreign dividends, with flexible onshore pooling of foreign tax credits).An EU-approved stable tax regime, with access to extensive treaty network and EU Directives.Generous domestic law withholding tax exemptions

Technology

Ireland continues to attract the best in scientific and technology investments. To date, 8 billion has been invested in science, technology and innovation in Ireland.These attributes result in Ireland housing:8 of the top 10 global ICT companies9 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies3 of the 5 top games companies10 of the top born on the Internet companies50% of the worlds leading financial services firms17 out of 25 global medical device companiesAnd the story continues. In recent months Ireland has welcomed further investments from major companies including Amazon, IBM, Ancestry.com, SAP, Northern Trust and Fidelity

Talent

The IMD WORLD Competitiveness Year book ranked Ireland first in the world for availability of skilled labor and for flexibility and adaptability of workforce. Ireland has a young, well-educated labor force and scores very highly on labor productivity.

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