IRISH COMPANIES start a three-day trade mission in South Africa today to pitch for business around the 2010 World Cup.

Minister of State for Trade Billy Kelleher is leading 20 companies from a number of sectors, including construction, IT, software and education and training services.

Hundreds of thousands of international football fans are expected to descend on South Africa for the World Cup tournament which takes place in nine host cities next year from June 11th to July 11th.

The Irish business delegation will attend a reception at the Irish Embassy in Pretoria this evening and also take part in other networking events in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Mr Kelleher said: “South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa but its modern industry and infrastructure is more similar to first world economies.

“The country is world-renowned for its wine-making and rugby success and is currently gearing up to host the soccer World Cup in 2010.”

Enterprise Ireland said foreign firms were queuing up to invest in South Africa. “South Africa is a rapidly developing, emerging market with strong economic growth and high potential,” a spokeswoman said.

“Irish companies have the potential to take market share in many key sectors, particularly in telecommunications, IT, construction, banking, financial services, software and education and training services.”