Fifteen years ago, the Ireland Alberta Trade Association (IATA) was founded with a clear mission: to strengthen trade, investment, and business ties between Ireland and Alberta. Over the years, we have played a pivotal role in building a robust bilateral trade corridor, fostering economic growth by connecting industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
Our work has gone beyond networking—we have been an active catalyst for collaboration, ensuring that businesses and organizations on both sides of the Atlantic have the resources, relationships, and market insights needed to succeed. Through strategic trade missions, investment delegations, and high-level engagements, IATA has enabled companies to expand, innovate, and navigate new opportunities.
As we reflect on our achievements, we celebrate the partnerships we have forged, the businesses we have supported, and the economic opportunities we have unlocked.
Driving Trade & Investment Missions
Trade and investment missions are at the heart of IATA’s efforts to connect businesses with opportunities, open new markets, and facilitate growth across industries. By organizing and supporting high-impact trade and investment missions, we provide companies with firsthand exposure to potential partners, investors, and market conditions, giving them a competitive edge in expanding internationally.
Over the years, IATA has played a critical role in:
Leading three major trade missions to Ireland, providing Alberta-based businesses with access to European markets, emerging technologies, and key business connections.
Supporting two investment missions, highlighting Alberta's advantage as an key investment destination and helping key Alberta stakeholders understand the market opportunities and expertise of Irish companies.
Facilitating B2B engagements, site visits, and government meetings to help businesses gain market insights and form strategic partnerships.
Strengthening industry ties in renewable energy, fintech, agriculture, medtech, infrastructure, and technology, ensuring businesses can capitalize on cross-border collaboration.
Providing businesses with direct access to industry leaders, policy experts, and investment professionals, we ensure that trade and investment missions are not just exploratory—but transformative.
Facilitating Strategic Trade & Investment Connections
A strong economy is built on strong relationships. One of IATA’s most significant contributions has been facilitating strategic connections between key stakeholders at pivotal moments. By acting as a trusted bridge between Ireland and Alberta, we have helped businesses expand their operations, enter new markets, and access investment opportunities that drive long-term success.
Our efforts in business matchmaking and investment facilitation have resulted in tangible growth for numerous companies, providing them with direct access to decision-makers, funding opportunities, and market intelligence. Through our extensive network, we have:
Arranged and facilitated hundreds of high-value meetings, fostering partnerships between businesses in technology, energy, construction, agribusiness, and professional services.
Assisted Alberta-based businesses in exploring opportunities in Ireland and supported Irish companies in their expansion efforts in Western Canada.
Provided market insights, regulatory guidance, and sector-specific support to companies looking to establish or grow their presence in new regions.
Worked closely with Ireland's state agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, ensuring seamless entry points for Irish businesses in Ireland and Alberta.
Collaborated with Calgary Economic Development, Edmonton Global, Invest Alberta, and the Government of Alberta to facilitate investment attraction, market entry, and business expansion opportunities for Irish and Alberta-based companies.
Engaged with WestJet, recognizing its critical role in enhancing direct connectivity and strengthening business and trade relations between Ireland and Canada.
Hosting Dignitaries, Business Leaders & Key Stakeholders
Diplomatic and business engagement plays a crucial role in fostering long-term economic partnerships. Over the past 15 years, IATA has welcomed senior government officials, ambassadors, and industry leaders, ensuring that Ireland and Alberta remain strongly positioned as strategic partners in global trade and investment.
Through these engagements, we have provided a platform for policy discussions, trade negotiations, and investment collaborations, fostering mutual economic growth. Our efforts have included:
Hosting Ambassadors of Ireland and Canada and strengthening relations with the Canadian Embassy in Dublin & the Irish Embassy in Ottawa, reinforcing diplomatic and commercial ties.
Coordinating trade delegations and industry roundtables, bringing together policymakers, investors, and executives from key sectors.
Facilitating discussions between government agencies, financial institutions, and private enterprises, supporting policies that encourage bilateral trade.
These engagements have strengthened our network, deepened trade relationships, and enhanced Ireland’s and Alberta’s reputations as leading destinations for investment, innovation, and economic development.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Ireland-Alberta Trade & Investment Corridor
As we celebrate this 15 year milestone, our mission remains steadfast: to expand, strengthen, and deepen the economic ties between Ireland and Alberta. We recognize the unparalleled opportunities that exist in trade, investment, and innovation, and we are committed to ensuring that businesses on both sides of the Atlantic can thrive.
Looking ahead, IATA will continue to:
✅ Host more trade and investment missions, expanding cross-border engagement and fostering deeper economic integration.
✅ Facilitate high-value business connections, leveraging our extensive network to create meaningful opportunities for growth.
✅ Expand the Ireland-Alberta trade corridor, fostering new economic opportunities for businesses, investors, and industries.
✅ Support businesses in navigating new markets, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and resources to scale successfully.
✅ Strengthen collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies, ensuring trade-friendly policies and investment incentives remain in place.
Our journey has been one of collaboration, innovation, and shared success. As we move forward, we remain committed to creating opportunities, forging new partnerships, and ensuring that the Ireland-Alberta trade corridor continues to grow and thrive.
🚀 Here’s to the next 15 years of growth, collaboration, and opportunity!
Comments