ENDA KENNY HEADS to Japan tomorrow for a five day trip, aimed at building closer trade and economic ties with the world’s fourth-largest economy. It’s the first such visit by a Taoiseach since one by Brian Cowen in 2009.

The Taoiseach will hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe with a view to agreeing areas for future co-operation. The Japanese premier extended the invitation for the visit during a trip to Ireland in June of this year.

According to the Department of the Taoiseach, Kenny will also meet with Japanese and Irish companies working in Research & Development and in the services sector at an event aimed at increasing “collaborative research projects for the mutual benefit of both countries”.

The Taoiseach will also highlight new technologies being developed by Irish companies in a speech at a symposium on Green Energy, co-organised with the Japan External Trade Organisation.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to visit Japan as part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen Ireland’s international reputation and convey to a wider audience the extent of Ireland’s progress toward economic recovery,” Kenny said.

He’ll be accompanied by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, while a large number of company representatives from the ICT, financial services and agri-food sectors will also fly out.

The Taoiseach will spend two days in Tokyo before travelling to Nagoya and Osaka for further meetings with Irish and Japanese business leaders.

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