Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the NZ Initiative, leads a delegation to Ireland to discuss the country's GDP figures, the success of foreign direct investment and Ireland's economy. They explore the education system, tax rate, and contrasting perceptions of teachers in Ireland and New Zealand. The chapter also discusses the low corporate tax rate in Ireland and the impact of Sinn Fein on the country's politics and housing market.
Ireland's economic success is partly due to a stable institution, a culture of trust, and an excellent education system.
Ireland actively promotes foreign direct investment by offering incentives and creating a supportive business environment.
New Zealand can learn from Ireland by being more open to foreign investment, focusing on STEM education, and ensuring shared prosperity for all citizens.
Deep dives
Ireland's Economic Success and GDP Numbers
Ireland's GDP is now twice that of New Zealand, and its economic success has attracted international interest. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of the Irish GDP figures, as some of the economic activity is generated offshore and merely domiciled in Ireland for tax purposes. Nonetheless, Ireland is still considered a success story and a positive economic development.
Ireland's Success Factors: Stable Institutions and Culture of Trust
Ireland's success can be attributed to factors such as stable institutions, a culture of trust, openness to foreign direct investment, balanced budgets, and an excellent education system. These factors have contributed to Ireland's economic growth and its status as an attractive destination for businesses.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Ireland's Business-Friendly Culture
Ireland's approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) is highly business-friendly. The country actively seeks and welcomes FDI, offering incentives such as low corporate tax rates and a supportive business environment. Unlike New Zealand, which can be cautious and protective of foreign investment, Ireland sees FDI as a benefit and actively promotes it.
Lessons for New Zealand: Openness to FDI and Focus on STEM Education
New Zealand can learn from Ireland's success by being more open to foreign direct investment and creating a business-friendly environment. Additionally, there should be a focus on STEM education to cultivate a technically competent workforce. It is important for New Zealand to travel and compare itself with other successful economies to avoid complacency and ensure shared prosperity.
Warning: Ensuring Fairness and Shared Prosperity
New Zealand should avoid complacency and ensure that the benefits of economic development are shared widely among the population. This includes addressing issues such as affordable housing and ensuring that the prosperity is felt by all. Failure to do so could lead to the rise of radical parties and perceptions of unfairness.
Dr Oliver Hartwich is the Executive Director of the NZ Initiative; New Zealand’s premier free-market think tank. In July he lead a delegation to Ireland with over thirty of his members, a group that included billionaires, knights of the realm and me. We discussed why we went, what we learnt in Ireland, and what the Hon Trevor Mallard is up to over in Dublin
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