Promoting Trade between Ireland and France

The objectives for which the Economic Association was established in 1978 were as follows: 

• The promotion of better understanding in economic and trade matters between France and Ireland 
• The facilitation of contacts between members of the French and Irish business communities 
• The promotion of the expansion of bilateral trade between France and Ireland 
• The organisation and sponsorship of events such as business missions, exhibitions and public meetings to advance and promote the aims of the Association 
• The promotion of the establishment of a body with similar aims in France (This objective was met in 1983 with the foundation of the ‘Association Economique France Irlande’ in Paris). 

In reaching its current membership of well over 130 member companies, the Chamber has brought together companies from different backgrounds over the years. These can be broken down into four main categories: 

• Irish companies or organisations trading with, or wishing to begin trading with France 
• French companies or organisations based in Ireland or with an interest in the Irish market 
• Companies with French links seeking new markets or sources of supply 
• Companies seeking investment opportunities, acquisitions or joint-venture partners 

For over 30 years, the Chamber has organised a great number of activities in a warm, welcoming yet business-like atmosphere, inviting speakers from business and political backgrounds to throw light on important topics of the day and to allow debates between members and these speakers. Formats of debate over the years have included Business Breakfasts, Business Lunches and Dinners, and the very popular evening ‘Club des Affaires’.

Many different government ministers (both Irish and French) have spoken at Chamber events, and a particularly notable event was a speech to the Chamber by the French Prime Minister (M. JP Raffarin) in May, 2004 during the course of his official visit to Ireland. 

Over the 30+ years of its existence the Chamber has worked closely with many of the important business organisations and services in Ireland – particularly the various dapartments of the French Embassy and Ubirfrance, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, CCEF and Alliance Française. 

Very significantly, IFCC joined UCCIFE (Association of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry abroad) in 2009. As a member of this professional network of Chambers we can offer you access to more than 114 Chambers that represent over 23 000 companies in 78 countries worldwide. 

IFCC has an important bi-lateral relationship with its Sister association in Paris, formerly the “Chambre de Commerce Franco-Irlandaise” (CCIFIRL) and now under the company name of “NetworkIrlande”. Our members have access to members of NetworkIrlande, and can benefit from special rates at all their events in France. This bi-lateral relationship also means that IFCC can help companies establish relevant contacts in France or Ireland. 

The current list of well over 130 members of the Chamber pays testament to the vision of the founders of the original Economic Association – setting in train the development of a Chamber that would assist a massive expansion of trade between the two countries. The continuing renewal of their membership over the years by key players in this trade is proof of the continuing relevance of the Chamber to companies involved in the trade between Ireland and France!

 Now, more than ever, networking is recognised as the key activity to develop valuable business contacts that lead to increased trade. The Ireland France Chamber of Commerce is here to support you with this mission.