Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, unveiled the report “Beyond Barriers – Deepening Canada-Ireland Trade and Investment” at Iveagh House in Dublin on 30 October 2025. The study underscores the thriving economic relationship between the two nations, which has grown significantly in recent years and was further reinforced during the Taoiseach’s recent visit to Ottawa and meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Byrne described Canada as a key export market for Ireland and a central focus of the government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, noting that the report demonstrates “the vast opportunities for growth in the future.” He also paid tribute to Ambassador Dennis King and his team for their role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Shared Values and Economic Growth
The report highlights how the Ireland–Canada relationship is built on shared values, innovation, and people-to-people links. It identifies opportunities for collaboration in sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive growth, while also emphasizing the importance of trade diversification in a shifting global economy.
Ambassador King welcomed the report, calling it a “valuable tool” for advancing bilateral trade. He stressed that the findings provide actionable recommendations to strengthen cooperation and unlock new opportunities under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has already boosted trade flows between Canada and the European Union.
Looking Ahead
Trade between Ireland and Canada has nearly doubled since CETA’s introduction in 2017, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and agri-food driving growth. Both governments see the new report as a roadmap for sustained expansion, ensuring that the partnership continues to deliver benefits for businesses and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Conclusion
The launch of Beyond Barriers signals a renewed commitment to deepening the Ireland–Canada economic relationship, positioning both countries to capitalize on shared opportunities in innovation, sustainability, and global trade diversification.
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release, 30 Oct 2025 gov.ie.
