Enterprise Ireland is set to host 60 trade events across the world to mark St Patrick's Day - and to boost business collaboration with international partners.

It said the events will mark the positive impact that Irish businesses are delivering across the world.

Currently Irish companies employ almost 1.2 million people internationally.

"As global economies emerge from the pandemic, putting two tough, disruptive years behind us, it presents an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild valued relationships with our business partners across the world," said Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar.

"I am incredibly proud of the contribution that Irish firms have made globally, especially during the pandemic.

"As a one of the leading technology and medtech hubs in the world, Ireland produced lifesaving equipment and medicines which helped us navigate life during Covid.

"Global firms have learned that they can rely on Irish partners in challenging times," Mr Vardakar said in a statement.

Enterprise Ireland has also launched a new international campaign ’Ireland: Innovation at the Edge’.

"This year we will be talking about "Innovation at the Edge", highlighting the innovators from the edge of Europe who are pushing boundaries and exploring the edges of their industries," said Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.

"The new campaign we are launching will bring to life the unique conditions at play in Ireland which have led Irish companies to be among the most innovative in the world," he added.