Spotlight Article 26^th August 2024

WTC Dublin and WTC Savannah Strengthen Economic Ties

In a significant step towards strengthening international economic ties, on Friday, 23rd of August, World Trade Center Dublin had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from World Trade Center Savannah. This event, attended by representatives from the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), was part of a comprehensive economic development trade mission, strategically timed to coincide with the highly anticipated college football game between Georgia Tech and Florida State in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. The mission aimed not only to reinforce the already strong ties between Wexford and Savannah but also to explore the potential for establishing a broader and more impactful South of Ireland-South of Georgia trade bridge.

The Savannah delegation was led by Hugh “Trip” Tollison, CEO of SEDA and WTC Savannah, whose leadership has been instrumental in fostering cross-border relationships that drive economic growth. The delegation’s discussions in Dublin spanned a range of critical sectors vital to the economies of both regions. These included electric vehicles (EV), aerospace, manufacturing, and logistics—each sector representing significant areas of opportunity for collaboration and innovation. The discussions were particularly focused on how these industries could benefit from enhanced cooperation between the two regions, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve greater global competitiveness.

The presence of key Irish organizations such as the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Ivy Capital Partners added depth to the conversations. The diversity of perspectives highlighted the shared commitment to fostering robust international business relationships. Manon Keane, Project Executive for the Emerging Business division of the IDA, provided insights into Ireland's strategic role as a gateway to Europe, while David Patton, Co-Managing Partner of Ivy Capital Partners, emphasized the importance of cross-border investment in driving innovation and economic resilience.

One of the key figures in the Savannah delegation was Kendria Lee, Associate Vice President for Corporate and Community Affairs at Georgia Southern University. Her presence highlighted the critical role that educational institutions play in bridging international markets. The discussions underscored the potential for student internships and academic exchanges between Irish and Georgian institutions, which could help cultivate the next generation of global business leaders. Such programs are seen as essential in preparing students to navigate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

The timing of this trade mission was particularly strategic, as it was built around the prestigious Aer Lingus College Football Classic, where Georgia Tech faced off against Florida State at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. This game, which drew significant attention from both sides of the Atlantic, provided a unique backdrop for the delegation’s visit. It highlighted the cultural and economic ties that sports can help reinforce between regions, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration beyond the business realm.

This gathering at Fitzwilliam Hall marks the continuity of an already productive relationship between WTC Dublin and WTC Savannah. As we look toward the future, we are confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for businesses in both regions. The further establishment of a South of Ireland-South of Georgia trade bridge represents a bold step forward in international economic development, offering a model for other regions to follow.

The potential benefits of this partnership are vast. By fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation, this collaboration is laying the groundwork for a prosperous and interconnected global economy. The dialogue in Dublin has set the stage for a series of initiatives that will not only benefit the businesses directly involved but will also have a positive ripple effect on the broader economies of both regions.

David Pierce, Executive Director of WTC Dublin, brought his wealth of knowledge on the Irish economic landscape to the discussions. He explored the similarities between the challenges and strengths faced by both Ireland and Georgia. Representatives of WTC Dublin also highlighted how both regions share a dynamic mix of industries, including technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, which are critical drivers of their respective economies. Pierce emphasized that understanding these commonalities provides a strong foundation for collaboration, enabling both regions to learn from each other’s successes and strategies for overcoming economic challenges. His insights emphasized the potential for deepening the relationship between WTC Dublin and WTC Savannah, as both regions navigate similar paths in global economic development.

As the Savannah delegation continues their trade mission, they have a busy schedule ahead. Departing Dublin, they will engage in further meetings in Wexford and Limerick. On Wednesday, the delegation will meet with the Shannon Group in Limerick, where discussions will focus on exploring deeper collaborative opportunities, particularly given Limerick's strategic importance in the regional and national economy.

A special thank you goes out to Chris Ahearn, Leigh Ryan, and the rest of the team at WTC Savannah, whose dedication and efforts were instrumental in making this event a success. World Trade Center Dublin is excited to continue supporting this initiative and looks forward to the many successes that will undoubtedly emerge from this strategic alliance. Together, we are building a bridge not just between cities but between continents, creating new pathways for collaboration and economic prosperity that will resonate far into the future. This partnership is more than a business opportunity; it is a shared commitment to a future where international collaboration is the cornerstone of economic success.