Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 2

Written Answers. - Exports to Spain.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

150 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the amount and value of Irish exports to Spain; if he intends to increase marketing in the Spanish market; if it is possible to greatly increase this export market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

Irish exports to Spain amounted to £384 million last year, an increase of nearly 12 per cent over the 1991 figure. Indeed, Irish exports to Spain have increased by 245 per cent since 1985. This period coincided with Spain's accession to the European Community and with An Bord Tráchtála's drive to expand indigenous business with the Iberian peninsula. We have, in recent years, enjoyed a widening trade surplus with Spain, which reached £262 million in 1992.

The most prominent sectors have been fast-food preparations, chemicals, automatic data processing machines, electrical machinery and professional scientific instruments.

Besides its regular marketing activities in Spain, An Bord Tráchtála has targeted a number of specific events in 1994 to derive maximum benefit from the Spanish market. These include: National stand at Alimentaria food fair in Barcelona; inward buyer visit of Spanish buyers to Ireland; sectoral electronics mission to Spain; and major research of the food market including personal presentations to major food purchasers.

While the expansion of our export sales in Spain will depend on the performance of the Spanish economy, I believe that there are widespread opportunities for Irish exporters in Spain and that this market should continue to display strong growth.