Cork Chamber Launches the Annual Conference 2010

11th October 2010

Cork Chamber Annual Conference 2010 sponsored by HSBC

Cork Chamber today (Monday, 11th October) launched its 2010 Annual Business Conference titled “New Reality/Big Opportunities, Two Way Traffic East and West” which will focus on the prospects which exist for business to benefit from strengthening relationships with China, the United States and India. Particular emphasis will be placed on Cork’s two sister cities, San Francisco and Shanghai. The half day conference takes place on November 4th at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.

Sponsored by HSBC and facilitated by Ivan Yates, well known broadcaster and businessman, the conference has an impressive range of business speakers. These include Sean O’Driscoll, Chief Executive, Glen Dimplex, Alan Duffy, Head of HSBC Corporate Banking Ireland, and Jim Herlihy, Cork/San Francisco Business Initiative as well as an interactive Q&A Forum with a panel of experts led by Professor Fan Hong, Director, Irish Institute of Chinese Studies, UCC, Frank Ryan, Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland, Mr D Ramamoorthy, Embassy of India and Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive, IDA Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the conference today, Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber said, “Businesses today need to be equipped with the insight and ability to look beyond traditional markets. On November 4th we will explore, with the benefit of industry expertise from a local, national and international perspective, the opportunities and challenges that exist and point a way forward for the Cork Region and businesses in Cork”.

“This half-day Conference is aimed at individuals interested in expanding their business operations, sourcing new international trade opportunities, extending their sales reach whilst reducing their dependence on existing markets. I encourage executives and owner managers of Cork businesses, multinationals, indigenous manufacturing and services companies, third level institutions, state agencies, tourism and hospitality interests, local authorities as well as legal and other professional services to attend, learn and engage with the experts”.

Alan Duffy, Head of HSBC Corporate Banking Ireland and conference sponsor said, "We are no longer looking at when West meets East, but at how the East will redefine the West and the way we do business. It’s crucial that Irish businesses are not only appreciative of this fundamental and fast-paced change, but that they are able to respond swiftly and effectively. Our competitiveness is at risk if we don’t address practically and proactively at an individual business level how to capitalise on it. It is the thinking business which acts now”.

Further details are available by contacting Leigh Gillen at the Chamber, tel (021) 4530133, email leigh@corkchamber.ie or through the Chamber website, www.corkchamber.ie <http://www.corkchamber.ie> .

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