Ireland's business development agency, Enterprise Ireland, has opened a Silicon Valley trade and technology centre in California. The centre, located in Campbell, will serve as a "start-up factory" for Irish companies hoping to quickly establish a presence in the US technology heartland. It will enable and nurture contact development, sales generation and strategic alliances.

Six Irish companies are already located at the centre - Card Services International, Clockworks International, International Test Technologies, Massana, Pentus Technologies and Transware.

The new centre was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mr Kitt. "The business culture of Silicon Valley, characterised by innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and openness, is in many ways very similar to Ireland's," he said. "Twenty Irish companies have established offices in the region and this number is expected to double by the year 2000."

Ms Marina Donohoe, vice-president of the California-based Enterprise Ireland centre said it will provide a flexible, low-cost way for Irish companies to establish a physical presence in the initial market-entry period. The companies will work closely with Enterprise Ireland and network with other Irish firms that are developing the market.