National Pen Promotional Products Ltd., Dundalk, Co. Louth won the Irish Exporters Association’s overall Exporter of the Year Award 2013 at a dinner at the Dublin Convention Centre last week.  Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade was guest speaker at the ceremony and presented the awards.  National Pen Promotion Products Ltd. was presented with the Exporter of the Year Award 2013 after winning in the Multinational Exporter of the Year Award category earlier in the evening.  The award in that category was presented in recognition of the contribution that multinational companies play in the development of Irish exports. 

In his keynote speech, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., commended Ireland’s exporting companies and highlighted their importance to the health of the economy:

 “Despite the international market challenges faced by exporters in recent years, total exports in 2012 reached a historic high of €182 billion – some 16 per cent higher than their pre-crisis levels in 2007. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy network are central to these efforts as we work closely with the State agencies to build Ireland’s reputation, to attract inward investment and tourism and to help Irish companies to expand their export reach.”

Mr Colin Lawlor, President of the Irish Exporters Association, speaking at the event said that Irish exporters remain upbeat about export growth and noted that some 80% of exporters expect to increase their overseas sales during 2014.  “At the Irish Exporters Association we are more convinced than ever that the exporting community are fully committed in working to ensure that Ireland’s economic recovery will be export-led” said Mr Lawlor.

Speaking at the event Edward Sweeney of NITL congratulated all winners and pointed out that the export-oriented nature of our island economy means that logistics and supply chain issues will continue to be critical success factors as we emerge from the recession. “NITL looks forward to playing its role in developing the capability that we need to exploit the opportunities that exist in the global marketplace. The excellence that is being recognised here this evening is testament to what is possible and we congratulate all winners, in particular DFDS Logistics who won in the logistics category and Lily O’Briens whose win in the food and drink category proves what it is possible for a small indigenous firm to achieve with an innovative culture and excellent people”.