Policy positions

Colombia and Central America Free Trade Agreements

15/08/2013 - Free trade agreements signed by the EU with Colombia and with Central American countries Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama became effective on 1 August 2013 as part of the EU strategy to eliminate tariffs on trade with Central American and the Andean region.

Government Export Trade Council completes review of trade, tourism and investment strategy

27/05/2014 - In the programme for Government the coalition committed to establish an Export Trade Council to strengthen coordination across all key departments and agencies.

Key skills for enterprise to trade internationally

03/08/2012 - Ibec participated in the Steering Group to the Forfas and Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report on key skills for enterprise to trade internationally.

Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid

03/05/2012 - Ibec responded to the Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid in June 2011. In its submission, Ibec highlighted that business can be an important partner in maximising the impact of development aid.

Tackling bribery and corruption

15/01/2014 - The OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions was signed in December 1997 and came into force in February 1999. Ireland ratified the convention in September 2003.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations

27/05/2014 - The EU-US Business Roundtable organised by Ibec with BUSINESSUROPE and the US Chamber of Commerce on 18 April 2013 provided support to the process for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Union Customs Code

15/01/2014 - The Union Customs Code (UCC) is designed to simplify and modernise customs procedures in support of business and EU trade. Agreement was reached on the final text of the UCC in May 2013.