David Andrews
Question:38 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the efforts, if any, he has put in place to assist and increase indigenous exports. [10805/95]
Written Answers. - Indigenous Exports.
David Andrews
Question:167 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the efforts, if any, which he has put in place to assist and increase indigenous exports. [10930/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 167 together.
The Operational Programme for Industrial Development, 1994-99, launched early this year, includes a specific sub-programme for market development. The targets in the sub-programme are to increase indigenous exports by an average of 9 per cent per annum over the six year period of the programme and to increase market share in EU countries by up to 25 per cent, whilst also expanding market share outside the EU. In order to help Irish firms achieve these objectives, assistance will be provided under three complementary measures encompassing the provision of information on market opportunities and financial assistance.
ABT in targeting an overall 17 per cent increase this year, including a particularly intensive campaign to encourage exporters to seize new business opportunities emerging in the enlarged EU single European market, under the banner "Opportunity Europe". This will involve a dual strategy of supporting the 800-plus Irish companies at present selling in continental Europe and encouraging Irish exporters who have already been successful in Britain to expand into other European markets.
There will also be special emphasis in 1995 on encouraging companies to identify opportunities in the Northern Ireland market, some details of which are being provided in a reply to another question today.