Vol. 448 No. 5
93 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the new measures, if any, he proposes to take to improve Ireland's trading relations with countries in the Pacific rim; if he intends to visit any of these countries in pursuance of such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/95]
The Pacific rim has undoubted potential for exports of Irish goods and services. Over the past two years there have been several Government-led trade missions from Ireland to the region, including missions to Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Mexico. I intend to further develop Ireland's trading relations with the region through bilateral contacts combined with full use of the relevant mechanisms of the World Trade Organisation, the European Union, and the OECD, with particular emphasis on pursuing the greatest possible market opening for Irish goods and services. These efforts will be supplemented on the ground by the ongoing promotional activities of An Bord Tráchtála which has offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and trade consultants working on its behalf in Auckland, Bangkok, Cancun, California, Jakarta, Manila, Quito, Seattle, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei. I am still finalising plans for bilateral contacts during the coming year, including official visits in both directions, and trade missions. Details will be announced in due course.
