September 18, 2009

Governor Riley Promotes Stronger Economic Ties with Ireland

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley met Friday with Martin Rouine, the Counsel General of Ireland, to discuss economic relations between Alabama and Ireland. Ireland ranks as Alabama’s 21st largest trading partner. Since 2004, when Governor Riley launched a state trade initiative called “Export Alabama,” exports of Alabama-made products to Ireland have increased 11.5 percent, from $126 million to $141 million.

“Trade plays a very important role in Alabama’s economic development and we must continue building relationships overseas to strengthen our economy here at home,” said Governor Riley. “Through Export Alabama, we’re working to help small and medium size Alabama companies grow their businesses through trade.”

Alabama’s top exports to Ireland in 2008 included aluminum alloy plates, automatic data processing storage machines, electrical machinery and plastics.

More than 3,000 businesses in Alabama sell their products and services overseas. Alabama has seen remarkable growth in its exports over the past few years. The value of Alabama exports has risen from $8.3 billion in 2003 to $16 billion in 2008.