Minister McEntee convenes meeting of Government’s Trade Forum

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will convene a meeting of the Government Trade Forum today, Friday 23 January.

The Forum will consider recent global trade developments and an update on Ireland’s Action Plan on Market Diversification and the Government’s extensive plans for international trade promotion this year.

This will be the tenth meeting of the Forum since its establishment early in 2025.

The meeting will also be attended by the Tánaiste and Minister of Finance, Simon Harris TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, and Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said: “As recent days have demonstrated, uncertainty remains the prevailing character of the global trading environment. The work of the Trade Forum is critical in bringing together Government and key stakeholders, as we look to navigate the rapidly changing landscape together.

“Today’s meeting, my first as Chair, is an important opportunity to reflect upon recent developments together with Irish business and other key stakeholders. I and my Government colleagues will be listening closely to the essential feedback provided by the Forum Members. The Irish Government has always been of the view that the only way forward to resolve issues of concern on international trade is through dialogue and engagement. Ireland has been and is committed to working closely with our EU and wider European partners in response to these issues.

“We must continue to focus on what is within our control. Our discussion today regarding Ireland’s whole-of-government approach to market diversification and trade promotion will highlight progress and our plans into 2026.

“This includes our State engagements across the globe during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, on which I will shortly bring a memo to the cabinet for approval. Recent events have shown the need for us to double down on our efforts and our St Patrick’s Day programme will reflect that with a heavy emphasis on economic and trade promotion.”

ENDS

Press Office

23 January 2026