Ireland is emerging as a prime destination for Italian businesses. The Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce facilitates this strategic expansion.

Founded in Dublin in 2019, the Chamber connects Italian and Irish companies. It promotes bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

What Is the Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce?

The Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce (IICC) was established on August 23, 2019. It operates as a non-profit association under Irish law.

The Chamber’s headquarters are in Dublin’s IFSC. Address: The Exchange, George’s Dock, IFSC, Dublin 1.

Contact: info@italianirishchamber.ie | Phone: +353 (0)1 556 6136

Mission and Objectives

The IICC fosters economic cooperation between Italy and Ireland. It promotes bilateral trade relations.

The Chamber supports Italian businesses entering Ireland. It also helps Irish companies expand to Italy.

It works closely with the Italian Embassy. Together, they promote “Made in Italy” excellence.

Italy-Ireland Trade Relations

Trade between Italy and Ireland shows impressive growth. By 2018, bilateral trade reached €14.9 billion.

This represented a €1 billion increase from 2017. Ireland maintains a positive trade surplus with Italy.

2018 Trade Balance:

• Goods export surplus: €2,056 million
• Services export surplus: €2,897 million

The trade relationship spans diverse industries. Italian exports include food, medical devices, and manufacturing.

Irish exports include telecommunications, financial services, and technology products.

Why Choose Ireland?

Ireland offers unique advantages for Italian SMEs. The country provides an ideal EU gateway.

Post-Brexit Strategic Position

Brexit transformed Ireland’s importance. Ireland remains the only English-speaking EU member state.

This creates unique opportunities. Many companies relocated from London to Dublin.

Strong Economic Performance

Ireland’s economy demonstrates impressive growth.

Key indicators (2024):

• GNI* growth: 4%
• Employment: 2.71 million workers
• Unemployment: 4.5%
• Minimum wage: €12.70/hour

The country offers competitive corporate tax. It provides strong infrastructure and skilled workforce.

Key Sectors for Italian Investment

Several sectors offer excellent opportunities for Italian businesses.

Financial Services and Fintech

Dublin serves as a major European financial hub. Italian banks like Intesa Sanpaolo and Mediolanum operate successfully.

Italian fintech company Soldo expanded operations here. The regulatory framework supports innovation.

Technology and Innovation

Ireland ranks first in Europe for SME innovation. Global tech giants operate European headquarters here.

Opportunities include software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

Ireland leads in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Italian medical device manufacturers find strong opportunities.

Professional Services

Legal, accounting, and consulting services grow steadily. The IICC Italian Desk assists with market entry.

IICC Services for Italian Companies

The Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce offers comprehensive support services.

Core Services

Market intelligence: Detailed market analysis and sector research

Business matching: Networking events and B2B meetings connect companies

Consulting support: Free and paid services covering company setup, tax, legal, and market entry

The Italian Desk

The Chamber established an Italian Desk with Clark Hill Solicitors. Services operate in Italian and English.

Support includes:

• Legal and tax consultation
• Workers’ rights information
• Healthcare system guidance
• AIRE registration assistance

IICC Membership

Over 40 companies have joined the Chamber.

Notable members include:

• Intesa Sanpaolo Bank
• Mediolanum Asset Management
• d’Amico International Shipping

Membership levels:

• Individual: €150/year
• Restaurant: €500/year
• Silver: €750/year
• Gold: €1,250/year
• Platinum: €2,500/year

President: Furio Pietribiasi (CEO, Mediolanum International Funds)

Government Support

Irish government agencies actively support foreign businesses.

IDA Ireland

The Industrial Development Authority offers financial grants, R&D funding, and training assistance.

IDA targets (2021-2025): 800 investments and 50,000 new jobs.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland supports partnerships between Irish and foreign companies. Joint ventures receive funding.

Setting Up in Ireland

Several business structures suit different needs.

Common structures: Private Limited Company (Ltd), Branch Office, Partnership

Registration takes 2-4 weeks. The IICC Italian Desk assists throughout the process.

Ireland offers competitive corporate tax and extensive double taxation treaties. Italy and Ireland have a double taxation agreement.

How Kelmer Group Helps

Kelmer Group provides specialized support for Italian companies entering Ireland.

Services include:

• Market feasibility studies
• Regulatory compliance guidance
• Partnership identification
• Operational setup
• Network access to government agencies and business associations

This integrated approach saves time and resources.

Conclusion

The Italian Irish Chamber of Commerce connects two dynamic European economies. Ireland offers strategic advantages for Italian SMEs.

Post-Brexit, Ireland remains the only English-speaking EU member. The country provides EU access and business-friendly environment.

Trade between Italy and Ireland reaches nearly €15 billion annually. This relationship continues growing.

The IICC provides guidance, connections, and practical support. Italian companies succeed across financial services, technology, and life sciences.

Ready to explore Irish opportunities? Contact Kelmer Group for expert guidance on Ireland market entry.