Exploring potential opportunities in new markets
Following the recent announcement of U.S. tariffs, we’re exploring potential opportunities in new markets – and we'd like to share one such opportunity with you.
At the invitation of the South Westphalian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Waterford Chamber, together with Waterford City & County Council and the Waterford Local Enterprise Office, is supporting a return trade delegation to Märkischer Kreis – a highly industrialised and innovation-driven region in central Germany.
South Westphalia, often referred to as Germany's industrial heartland, presents a strategic opportunity for Waterford businesses seeking diversification and growth amidst changing trade dynamics. With a robust manufacturing sector and access to a 30,000-member Chamber network, the region offers a stable and expansive market. A targeted trade mission to South Westphalia will allow Waterford companies to establish direct partnerships, explore new supply chains, and capitalise on strong demand for high-quality goods and services—laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth.
You may recall that we hosted a successful visit last year from businesses in Märkischer Kreis, during which they met with local Waterford companies to explore commercial opportunities. Building on that success, we are now developing a return delegation.
While this opportunity may not be directly relevant to your own business, it could be of real interest to others in your network—particularly those involved in manufacturing, engineering, technology, or export. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this with any businesses you think might benefit.
Here are just some of the potential opportunities:
- Alternative Market Access: Märkischer Kreis offers a strong and diverse manufacturing base—ideal for companies seeking stable, reliable alternatives to U.S. markets.
- Supply Chain Opportunities: Businesses with strengths in advanced manufacturing, industrial software, and specialised materials may find supplier or partnership roles.
- Innovation Collaboration: Opportunities exist for joint R&D and innovation through institutional links between SETU and South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences.
- Support for Niche Exporters: Companies with unique or high-quality offerings may find strong demand in this industrial region of Germany.
