A Concise List on the Main Benefits of Investing in a Top Business Country: the Republic of Ireland

• High invenstment ratio: While Ireland has about 1% of the European Union's population, it receives 25% of US investment in manufacturing industry in Europe.
• Large exporter: Irelands main exporting partners are Europe and the US. Ireland is now the largest exporter of computer software on the planet. Production and export is easily managed and supported.

• Attractive Business Location: The 2008-2012 Business Environment Ranking of the Economist Intelligence Unit placed Ireland 11th globally out of 82 countries, naming it as one of the most attractive business locations in the world.
• Pro-business politics: Ireland prides itself being chosen as the most efficient and responsive pro-business regulatory environment in Europe for several years running. A focus of Ireland's strategy is in attracting investment to create a favourable economic and fiscal environment which is supportive of industry.
• Low tax: The Republic of Ireland holds the bronze medal as the country with the third lowest business tax rate in the world!
• Development: The National Development Plan 2007-2013 is allocating €184 billion from the Irish Government for heavy investment in science and innovation, infrastructure, transport, enterprise, and human capital.
• Improvement: 12% of the businesses participating in the Secure European Cities Monitor 2007 viewed Dublin as improving on itsel.
• Euro Currency: One of the greatest advantages of setting up your business in the Republic of Ireland is the fact that it is part of the EMU and hence deals in Euros. This eases trade within Europe and reduces the risks of foreign currency exchange fluctuation.
• Fast-growing economy: Ireland is a small, open, trade-dependent economy and is one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world.  Its openness is reflected both in the international mobility of its labour and capital (reflected by strong migrationary flows) and high levels of foreign direct investment.
  
• Strong economy: Ireland has a strongly performing economy. In 2007 it witnessed a growth of 3.8% and had 53,800 net job increases, with an average rate of unemployment of 4.5%.
  
• Main language English: Irish workers operate in English, which eases world trade, communication and the general running of any busines.
• Qualified Staff: A young skilled well educated workforce, with relevant technological and business skills.
  
• Euro zone: The Irish system works within common-law jurisdiction of the Euro zone.
• Best of both worlds: The Irish system is similar to the UK one, especially in terms of Business, but without the queen! Which means a democratically elected prime minister and a better compatibility with EU law.
• Ltd and Euro in one place: The Ltd company format can be used and at the same time trade is in Euro.
• Tax-exemption: Irish holding companies are allowed an exemption from capital gains tax on the disposal of shares in their subsidiaries.
• Great business relationships: Ireland holds a special and well kept business athmosphere with both the EU and the USA.
• Tax credit: Tax credits are awarded for incremental expenditure on Research and Development.
  
• Onshore pooling: Ireland allows the foreign dividends to be pooled together, before they are offset against the Irish tax liability. The tax credits do not need to be utilised in the year that the dividend is received. They can be carried forward indefinitely or offset against Irish tax on future foreign. dividends.
  
• Excellent EU relations: Not only has Ireland invested heavily in the EU and vice versa, the EU also accounts for 63.3% of Ireland's exports and 57.4% of its imports.

Ireland and the European Union

• Ireland joined the European Union in 1973.
• The EU as a whole accounts for 63.3% of IE's exports and 57.4% of her imports.
• The EU accounts for most Irish trade (Largest trading partner is the UK)
  
• Ireland is part of the EMU and thus has the euro as its currency.
• Ireland is regularly found near the top of polls for Business in Europe
• Ireland spent ca.€60m during its presidency of the EU.
• Ireland received agricultural subsidies from the CAP
• The EU invests large amounts in Irish road infrastructure

Ireland and the USA

• The USA is Ireland's single most important economic partner and accounts for 18.7% of Ireland's exports and 14.1% of Ireland's import.
• Many US companies have located their European headquarters in Ireland and this has led to increased Ireland-EU ties.