John Browne
Question:32 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to promote trade to Britain in 1995. [10748/95]
Written Answers. - Trade with Britain.
David Andrews
Question:161 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to promote trade to Britain in 1995. [10868/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 161 together.
The emergence of the British economy from recession in 1994 has led to a significant rise in business confidence. An Bord Tráchtála has a comprehensive programme in place to develop Irish Trade to Britain, particularly for indigenous industry. An Bord Tráchtála is targeting a 17 per cent increase, to £1.67 billion, in non-food indigenous exports to Britain in 1995.
In addition to existing programmes for the British market, An Bord Tráchtála is undertaking a number of new initiatives in the UK in 1995. A programme of market research, buyer presentations and buyer conferences will exploit the growing environmental market. In anticipation of a likely return to growth in 1995 in the British softwear market, the board is also aggressively promoting Irish softwear expertise into this sector. As the UK is the primary export market for first time exporters, a new exporter programme has been specifically designed to assist these companies in UK market entry.
Finally the contract clothing sector and Japanese original equipment manufacturers manufacturing in Britain have been targeted for subcontracting opportunities.