Austin Deasy
Question:37 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the efforts, if any, he is making to promote trade with Taiwan; and the way in which it compares with our trade with mainland China.
Written Answers. - Trade with Taiwan.
Irish trade with Taiwan has increased in the last decade from £18.6 million to over £132 million. In this period Irish exports to Taiwan increased from £5 million to £34.7 million. The balance of trade has remained in Taiwan's favour throughout this period.
Trade between Ireland and China has grown steadily in recent years from £14.5 million in 1983 to £95.8 million in 1992. In this period, Irish exports of goods to China have increased from £3.5 million to £9.4 million. It should be pointed out that these statistics may not be comprehensive because a proportion of the trade between Ireland and China is transhipped via Hong Kong.
Irish exports to both China and Taiwan are supported through An Bórd Tráchtála offices in the region and through the various programmes operated by the agency to develop exports generally.