Vol. 470 No. 3
29 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current steps, if any, he is taking to develop a modern trade policy for the State; if he will give details of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18708/96]
Current trade policy is export led, underpinned by our objective to optimise foreign earnings. Trade policy is focused on increasing sales of Irish goods and services and ensuring a supportive trading environment for our exporters. As I informed the House on 21 May 1996, trade policy aims to improve and expand access to markets through multilateral and bilateral negotiations; support effective promotional programmes and structures for marketing; and ensure that the requirement for exporters to maintain competitiveness is factored into Government policies impacting on business costs.
