Catherine Geagan
Consul General
Consulate Office of Ireland in Vancouver
Consulate General of Ireland Frank Flood
1095 W Pender St #1300, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6
phone: 604 696-3266 | email: vancouvercg@dfa.ie
Website:dfa.ie/irish-consulate/vancouver
Open and Trade-Oriented Economy
Ireland is one of the most open economies in the European Union. International trade is central to its growth, and the country consistently ranks high in global competitiveness indexes. Its EU membership gives companies based in Ireland tariff-free access to more than 400 million consumers across Europe.
Stable and Transparent Business Climate
The Irish economy benefits from a stable political system, rule of law, and a pro-business policy environment. The country maintains a clear regulatory framework, membership in the Eurozone, and close alignment with EU standards — all of which reduce uncertainty for Canadian firms considering investment or partnerships.
Sectoral Strengths
Ireland is internationally recognized for its leadership in:
- Technology and ICT – Major global tech companies have chosen Ireland for their European headquarters.
- Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences – Ireland is a top global exporter of pharmaceuticals, with a highly skilled workforce and advanced manufacturing facilities.
- Financial Services – Dublin is a hub for asset management, sustainable finance, and fund administration.
- Renewable Energy and Cleantech – Investment in offshore wind, solar, and green infrastructure is growing rapidly.
These align with Canadian areas of expertise, creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Skilled Workforce and Innovation Ecosystem
Ireland has a young, highly educated population with strong technical and scientific capabilities. Universities, research centres, and government programs actively support innovation, creating fertile ground for Canadian companies looking for R&D partnerships or skilled labour.
- Gateway to Europe
For Canadian businesses, Ireland offers a natural entry point into the EU. With CETA (the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) in effect, Canadian companies can take advantage of reduced tariffs and improved market access. - Cultural and Business Affinity
Ireland and Canada share commonalities in language, legal traditions (common law), and business practices, making it easier for Canadian firms to establish relationships and navigate the market. - Tax and Trade Advantages
Ireland’s competitive corporate tax environment and its extensive network of trade treaties complement Canada’s own agreements, providing Canadian companies with efficient structures to expand internationally. - Strong Investment Trends
Ireland continues to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from around the world. Commercial real estate, ESG-aligned funds, and tech-driven ventures are areas where international, including Canadian, capital is actively engaged. - Alignment with Canadian Strengths
Opportunities exist for Canadian firms in sectors where Canada is already strong: clean technology, renewable energy, ICT, agri-food innovation, and advanced manufacturing. - Stability in an Uncertain Global Environment
With global supply chain shifts and geopolitical uncertainty, Ireland’s role as a stable, EU-aligned partner is attractive for Canadians seeking predictable and secure international growth.
Discover Trade & Investment Opportunities in Ireland
Speakers:
- Minister Bruce Ralston was first elected MLA for Surrey-Whalley in 2005. He was re-elected in 2009, 2013 and 2017.
He is the BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. - Consul General Flood served as Ireland’s Ambassador to Estonia, before taking up position in Vancouver. He has significant experience in working to promote peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, overseas development aid, and the promotion of bilateral trade, on two assignments in Belfast, he worked overseas with the United Nations Development Programme in Addis Ababa and served as Vice-Consul in the Consulate General in Boston.
- Kate Hickey is the Executive Director of the Ireland Canada Business Association. The ICBA is the representative voice of over 100 companies doing business between Ireland and Canada, 70 of which are Canadian companies with Irish operations. The ICBA has the active participation of Ireland and Canada’s most prominent business leaders. Kate has over twenty years’ experience gained in industry and has worked as trade consultant on over 12 multi-sectoral trade missions from Atlantic Canada.
- Emma Doherty is a partner in Matheson’s International Business Group. Emma practises corporate law and works with international companies on the establishment, expansion and operation of their businesses in Ireland. Emma has advised on some of the largest establishment and expansion projects in Ireland. Emma also advises clients on the complex legal issues that can arise on international transactions involving Irish subsidiaries of foreign companies.
- Chargé d’Affaires, Suzanne Drisdelle is a senior Canadian diplomat and Trade Commissioner with Global Affairs Canada since 2001, with international postings in Turkey, Czech Republic and Ireland. She has extensive experience within Global Affairs Canada in trade promotion, trade policy, innovation scale-up support, ministerial communications, and overseas Mission management and operations. PowerPoint presentation is available at this link: PRESENTATION
