Charles Flanagan
Question:44 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if the level of exports to Malaysia has increased following his recent visit to that country.
Written Answers. - Exports to Malaysia.
As the Deputy is aware, I accompanied the Taoiseach to Malaysia in May this year. A large trade delegation from the services sector with a particular focus on education, health care, engineering consultancy and aviation participated in the visit. In addition, there were also a number of companies from the food sector. During the course of the visit, business worth $60 million was negotiated as I indicated in response to a written question in June.
There are, as yet, no published trade figures available which can be used to make a statistical comparison on previous years. However, I understand from An Bord Tráchtála that there has been a significant increase in marketing activities in Malaysia. To respond to this increased interest among exporters ABT is expanding its presence in the market and expects to establish a new office early next year.
I am convinced that this market is one in which Irish companies, especially in the services sector, can effectively and profitably increase their market share. Reflecting the increased activity a senior delegation from the Ministry of Public Enterprise will visit Ireland next week to discuss training and consultancy programmes. There has also been increased contact at political level and both the Malaysian Ministers for Education and Energy have visited here recently.