Vol. 498 No. 1
42 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to extend the marketing remit of Bord Iascaigh Mhara beyond the three overseas offices in western Europe to cater for the emerging markets of eastern Europe and also the Chinese market. [26560/98]
BIM's seafood marketing remit extends to all overseas markets. The agency has direct representation in the key markets in Spain, France and Germany and works closely with the Irish Embassies and Enterprise Ireland in other key countries to provide a market presence and assistance to Irish exporters. BIM has been actively pursuing opportunities for Irish seafood in China and in Eastern Europe. In that context, BIM works closely with Irish fish processors and exporters to strengthen new and existing markets for Irish seafood abroad. Significant progress has been made. Seafood exports were worth £228 million in 1997 and the global growth in demand for seafood points considerable scope for further growth.
I led a BIM and seafood industry trade mission to China in November last year. This initiative opened a number of doors and will result in tangiable commercial opportunities for Irish seafood producers in the Chinese market which is the largest in the world. Since my visit, BIM has followed up with repeat trips in conjunction with Irish seafood exporters to sustain identified opportunities for Irish seafood. Trade has already got under way in live shellfish products, notably crab.
There will shortly be a return trade visit of Chinese seafood companies to Ireland to meet the Irish seafood export interests. I am satisfied that the sustained marketing effort by BIM and the industry will ensure a strong niche for Irish seafood in the Chinese market. My Department and BIM are also represented on the Asia Strategy Group which was established by the Taoiseach to advise Government on a long-term market development strategy for the Asia region and China.
Eastern Europe is an important focus of BIM marketing strategy for pelagic products in particular. As the Deputy knows, international markets are currently very depressed for herring and mackerel largely due to the collapse of the Russian economy and the recession in Japan. BIM is working closely with Irish fish exporters to develop market openings in Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. Market investigation visits to Romania in particular have resulted in expanding trade opportunities on that front.
BIM has also extended its network of contact in the Baltic region through involvement in an EU programme to develop contact between the seafood trade in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and EU producers, including the Irish industry.
Along with ongoing initiatives in these markets, BIM is working at my request, to develop a comprehensive multi-annual seafood export market strategy. A key element in this strategy will be to maximise the benefits of co-operation with Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia in key overseas locations.
