asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any trade agreement was sought or is being sought with Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Agreement with Bangladesh.
12.
I do not think it necessary at the present time to have a trade agreement to regulate Ireland's commercial relations with Bangladesh.
Does the Minister appreciate that Bangladesh is about the fifth most populous country in the world and at some time it will be possible to make an agreement with them? Why not make it now? Why wait until everybody does so?
That is what the Department of Foreign Affairs always does.
The Deputy never misses a chance. It is normal to try to negotiate trade agreements where exporters feel they could find a market and a trade agreement would help. If there is any evidence of exporters needing a trade agreement we would certainly take up the idea. I do not know about Bangladesh, which is a recently-established state, but our trade with Pakistan is not large and our imports are mainly jute and did not require a trade agreement before the creation of Bangladesh. If exporters feel it would help them, we would certainly seek to have one.
Would the Minister not agree that we have had far more association and far more dealings in trade and otherwise with Bangladesh or that area than we have ever had or are ever likely to have with the Soviet Union with which I understand the Minister proposes to have an agreement?
(Interruptions.)
That is a separate question.
Get thee to a nunnery.