Minister Byrne launches report on the Canada-Ireland economic relationship

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has launched a new report on the Canada-Ireland economic relationship, ‘Beyond-Barriers – Deepening Canada-Ireland Trade and Investment’ in Iveagh House.

Minister Byrne said: “The report I am launching today captures the thriving economic relationship between Ireland and Canada. Our bilateral relationship is going from strength to strength, as was highlighted during the Taoiseach’s visit to Ottawa, and his meeting with Prime Minister Carney last month.

“The Ireland-Canada relationship is built on shared values, economic opportunities and strong links between our people. Canada is a key export market for Ireland, and an important location for Ireland’s new Action Plan on Market Diversification. The Government of Ireland warmly welcomes the opportunity to engage on the significant potential for future growth in trade and investment between our two countries. This new economic report affirms the strength of the Ireland-Canada economic relationship and demonstrates the vast opportunities for growth in the future.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to the work of Ambassador Dennis King, and his team, for their support and tireless work promoting closer relations between Ireland and Canada.”

H.E. Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland said: “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Canada-Ireland Economic Impact report here in Dublin. The report highlights the growing strength of our economic partnership and the shared commitment of Canada and Ireland to innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth. The report offers a valuable tool for advancing our goals of trade diversification, and its actionable recommendations provide a clear path to strengthen our bilateral trade.

“The report also showcases the enormous potential that lies ahead under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). My sincere thanks to our Irish hosts for their warm welcome and collaboration. Together, we continue to build on the deep friendship and vibrant trade ties that connect our two nations.”

Notes to editors

Today’s launch mirrors the Canada launch of the report by the Taoiseach in Ottawa last month. The report was commissioned by the Government of Ireland, IBEC and the Ireland Canada Business Association and authored by the Director of the Conference Board of Canada, Tony Bonen, who provided a presentation on the report’s findings.

The report demonstrates the strength of the existing two-way economic relationship showing that Canadian companies employ more than 22,000 people in Ireland, while Irish companies employ more than 19,000 people in Canada.

The report also shows that there is significant potential for future growth in trade and investment between both countries, not least in the clean tech, FinTech, agri-food and life sciences sectors. The study highlights the potential to increase traded goods between our two countries by €1.2 billion annually — a 34% rise — and to expand trade in services by almost half a billion euro.

Link to the report: Deepening Canada-Ireland trade and investment report | Ireland.ie

ENDS

PRESS OFFICE

30 October 2025