# Ireland Seeks Connections in the Middle East

Ireland is aiming to attract sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East to invest in infrastructure projects, as part of the government's efforts to keep up with rapid population growth. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is meeting with potential investors from the Gulf countries this week during visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. He stated in an interview with Reuters during the WTO trade ministers' meeting in Abu Dhabi, "We are always looking for partners to be part of the strategic investments in Ireland." Coveney noted that "there are exciting investment opportunities in Ireland that I believe can provide stable returns in the medium term," describing his country's economy as unusually strong. Coveney, who previously served as foreign minister, clarified that Ireland also has financing options available domestically. Last year, the government laid out plans to establish a €100 billion sovereign wealth fund and a smaller €14 billion fund for infrastructure and climate (approximately $15.20 billion).