- Irish Economy
A competitive economy in many respects through low corporation tax, overall productivity levels, a well-educated and young workforce and a smart approach to business regulation.
• Membership of the EU, including access to an internal market of almost 500 million people.
• Robust FDI – Ireland’s stock of direct inward investment is five times greater than the OECD average and the rate of return to US owned companies in Ireland is third in the EU-15.
• The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010 ranks Ireland 6th for GDP per capita ahead of France (14th) and the UK (21st).
• Ireland’s unemployment rate of 13.7% is just slightly higher than the Euro-zone average of 10.1%.
• Ireland’s Educational System ranks 7th in the world for Higher Education achievement (Source: IMD Yearbook 2010).
• 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.
