We were able to tour the Iveagh House, where the Department of a Foreign Affairs and Trade is located. It was built in 1736 and inaugurated in 1939. It was originally donated by the Guinness family; and it was absolutely incredible inside.
We were also able to sit down with Searle Brennan at the Department of International Affairs and Trade and disguss Ireland's current strategy regarding foreign affairs and international trade as to grow their economy. Ireland is continually striving to increase international trade and implement policies that attract new businesses, with a focus on startups. A few of the efforts mentioned were tax policy favoring businesses, streamlining the visa process to make it easier and quicker, and expanding their Embassy Network. Ireland, being an island, greatly depends on international business, and with the US contributing to 72% of foreign investment, Ireland's next US-based Embassy (Consulate) is planned to be located in Austin, TX.
There are definitely similarities in both business and government. Research and collaboration leads to strategies. Once strategies are in place, it takes time to identify if the desired results are being received, then adjustments are made, if necessary. In both cases, you don't always get it right the first time, but you keep trying until you do. Moreover, the surrounding environments are continually changing, so strategies must be adjusted, as needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment