Irish Minister Opens International Trade Awards

(I-Newswire) December 11, 2004 - Mr. Michael Ahern, TD, Irish Minister for International Trade showed his support for export training and innovation by delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Annual International Trade Specialist Award Evening hosted by Anglo Irish Bank on 7th December in Dublin.

Over 60 dedicated international trade executives attended this event which showcased the top three Industry Trade Studies presented by recent graduates of the International Trade Specialist Accreditation Programme (ITS) delivered by the electronic Business School of Ireland (eBSI).

The presentations covered key technical issues impacting on the export sectors ability to compete internationally. Hewlett Pakard's Caroline Broderick examined the technical aspects of export licensing. Gavin Makowski, a UK based International Trade Executive of Whyte Chemicals outlined the cost savings that can be achieved through proper management of the supply chain.

During his keynote speech, Minister Michael Ahern stated "The ITS Accreditation Programme makes an important contribution to building strong Irish companies capable of trading successfully in the global market".

The panel of international judges, chaired by Mr. Colum MacDonnell, former Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association chose Gavin Makowski's (Whyte Chemicals) presentation and he was awarded the China Systems Trophy for "Best International Trade Project 2004'

Caroline Broderick (Hewlett Packard) was presented with the award for ITS Student of the Year 2004 by HSBC Bank. Jimmy Watters (Hamman International Dublin) received a formal acknowledgement for his practical contribution to the programme.

Launched in 2002, the eBSI's distance learning school is developing a unique global network of students and specialists with the aim of sharing trade knowledge and promoting the development of accredited standards in international trade.

The eBSI is a member of the International Association of Trade Training Organisations (IATTO) and is accredited by the Irish Exporters Association and the Institute of Export in the UK. The programme has expanded from Ireland and the UK and now has participants in over 30 countries.

The strong growth in this network has attracted the attention of many leading international trade and finance organisations including the event sponsors China Systems and HSBC Bank. At the recent annual forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Mr. Vincent O'Brien, First Director of eBSI accepted the award as 'Best International Trade and Finance Trainer 2004'

Mr. Peter Tseng, Chairman of China Systems who traveled from China for the event closed the proceedings noting that "the practical experience of the presenters shone through and highlighted the benefits of a collaborative skill based trade network". Information on the electronic Business School of Ireland can be found at www.ebsi.ie

NOTES FOR EDITORS
Photos for this press release can be obtained from our website at http://www.ebsi.ie/press/awards2004.html

CONTACT
The electronic Business School of Ireland can be contacted at :
Enterprise House
Kiltimagh
Co Mayo
Ireland
Web: http://www.ebsi.ie
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Tel: +353-94-9374910
Fax: +353-94-9381444

SENDER
Thomas Smith
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EBSI
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