Annual Average GDP Growth 2004-07

Ireland	4.95%
Spain	3.65%
USA	2.95%
UK	2.75%
Denmark	2.62%
Belgium	2.60%
Netherlands	2.55%
France	2.15%
Germany	1.82%
Italy	1.35%
Source: OECD Economic Outlook June 2008

Irish Economy

Ireland is an open, modern, trade-dependent economy.

Ireland is one of the top 10 Business locations. (6th in 2006). A strong growth is forecast for the next 15 years.
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Over the past decade, the Irish Government has implemented a series of national economic programs designed to curb price and wage inflation, reduce government spending, increase labour force skills, and promote foreign investment.

Government policy since the 1960's has been to emphasise the development of export based industry and the attraction of foreign investment into Ireland.

Ireland has been a member of the EU since 1973 and joined the EURO (single currency) in 2002.

Major export markets include the US (largest), the UK, Germany, France. Principal exports include pharmaceuticals, healthcare & consumer products, software, computer hardware, financial services and food.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Business Environment Rankings, Ireland will remain one of the most attractive business locations in the world.

Ireland's Global Rating

The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008 ranks Ireland 3rd for GDP per capita at Purchasing Power Partity (PPP), ahead of Switzerland (5th) and the UK (9th).

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Business Environment Rankings, Ireland will remain one of the most attractive business locations in the world throughout the period 2007-2011.

Ireland is ranked 10th globally out of 82 countries.

Ireland is ranked 13th by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008 in terms of exports of goods as a percentage of GDP, ahead of Switzerland (19th) and the UK (50th).