asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give consideration to the provision of a national trade centre which would serve as both a focal point for the display of the best of Irish products and would further expand both the retail and export markets, while stimulating further foreign interest in our products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Trade Centre.
170.
I have no plans for the establishment of a national trade centre. The establishment of such a centre has been considered on a number of occasions in the past. Because of considerations of doubtful cost benefit and potential conflict of interest with existing retail outlets, the concept has not been progressed further.
In the promotion of manufactured goods and services, the international trend of successful exporting countries is towards fairs and exhibitions dealing with specific product categories rather than those dealing with a wide variety of products. Specific events are held at times which are calculated to maximise the interest of potential buyers having regard to their business peaks such as those determined by product seasons as, for example with fashion goods. It will be appreciated that, in general, buyers have only time to go to exhibitions which are of precise relevance to them.
The Deputy will be aware that the State trade promotion agencies, Córas Tráchtála and the Irish Goods Council, assist Irish firms to promote their goods and services at carefully chosen domestic and international events and will continue to do so.