Ivor Callely
Question:232 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the likely developments of our export markets in 1997 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6179/97]
Written Answers. - Export Market Figures.
Growth targets for indigenous exports other than food in the period 1994 to 1999 aim for an annual average increase of 14 per cent.
According to OECD estimates, world merchandise trade is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 1997 and 7.3 per cent in 1998. The Central Bank forecasts that the likely growth in Irish merchandise trade in 1997 will exceed these figures and will reach 14 per cent. The expected increase in trade will depend on continued improvement in the economic and financial environment in Ireland's main trading partners. Robust and sustainable growth in the United States and a continuation of growth in Japan and Europe are expected to contribute to expansion in Ireland's export performance.