The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum is the first of its type in the world having emerged from the GAA network in Asia. Introduced in 2007, it has been built on the platform of the momentum generated by the GAA Clubs in Asia & the Gulf. The key activity in recent years has been the organisation of a business networking conference on the eve of the annual Asian Gaelic Games. Last year's event in Hong Kong saw
Christy Cooney,  Uachtarán of the GAA address a special session looking at how best to leverage sporting networks in support of Irish business. Other speakers at the event included Dick Spring, FEXCO & Patron of the APIBF, John Bruton, IFSC Chairman & Mrs Rita Lau, Secretary of Commerce of Hong Kong.

The APIBF will organise a special event in Croke Park over the coming months with the support & close collaboration of the Asian County Board. Chairman Paraic McGrath welcomed the initiative adding 'given the Asian GAA's involvement in this initiative since the outset, it is very appropriate that the first APIBF event outside of Asia should be held at Croke Park. Our GAA Clubs in the region are at the heart of the Irish Communities as well as reaching out to the host country and other expatriates. We see this by the diversity of nationalities represented in our Clubs. I would strongly encourage all GAA members in the region to connect to the APIBF & also their local Irish business group. It has never been more important for us to work together & the GAA in Asia will play its part. Our events will continue to serve as a showcase of Irish sport & culture. The successful introduction of the business forum on the eve of the Asian Gaelic Games games has also demonstrated that our events can serve an important function in support of Irish business. As the saying goes - Ni neart go cur le cheile - There is no strength without unity.

To go to the website of the APIBF - please click here