Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - Trade Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

182 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the result of her discussions in the last 12 months and visits to overseas locations in pursuit of investment or trade here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23478/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

The main function of ministerial led trade missions is to assist companies to develop contacts in the target market. The presence of a Minister not only helps to attract attention to the mission itself and to Ireland generally, it also provides an impetus to ongoing negotiations and helps companies to cement existing relationships.

In November last year I launched a drive in which Enterprise Ireland will work with Irish building materials suppliers to improve their already strong presence in the British market. The launch took place in the Irish Embassy in London and was attended by nine Irish companies and seven of the leading national and regional builders merchants in Great Britain. Sales as a direct result of this event are estimated at £1.3 million, although in the long-term the clear focus on this key market will have much larger results.

In March this year I led a trade mission to Japan, in place of the Taoiseach who was unable to travel because of developments in the peace process. The mission consisted of 47 companies, the largest ever trade mission from Ireland to Asia, with strong representation of the ICT/software and education sectors. Contracts with an estimated value of £21 million were signed during the trade mission.

In Japan I also conducted a series of meetings with the presidents of four Japanese companies. One of those companies has begun the expansion of its research and development facility in Limerick which I was pleased to announce after our meeting. Another company which I met is examining the possibility of locating a new project in Europe and the IDA is now in negotiation with the company with a view to bringing their project to Ireland. I also addressed a meeting of the Japan Ireland Economic Association which was attended by 250 leading Japanese business people interested in connecting with Irish partners or in the possibility of locating new investments in Ireland.

In May, I led a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates and to Oman. Twenty companies, principally from the ICT and education sectors, participated in this mission. The political meetings which I conducted contributed to developing the knowledge and understanding of Ireland's capability as an economic partner in this region. Given the prominent role of Government in the Gulf States' economies, political meetings of this nature have a particular importance in developing our trade relations with this region.

I participated in the "Software Partner" event in Milan, also in May, which brought eight leading Irish software companies into contact with over 50 Italian companies in the sector. The purpose of this event was to assist Irish companies to develop strategic partnerships for the Italian market. To date, five Irish companies have established strategic relationships with Italian partners met during the event.

This September, I travelled to Australia with 35 companies on a trade mission to Sydney and Melbourne. During the mission, ten agreements covering supply and distribution arrangements were signed. I also opened Ireland's stand at Australia's Showcase trade fair, which focuses on the ICT sector; Ireland was the only foreign country with its own stand, a reflection of the high regard in which our industry is held. Also in Sydney I addressed a seminar organised by the IDA on the IFSC. This seminar was attended by about 100 executives from Australia's leading financial services companies.

On all the missions outlined above, I also engaged in interviews with the local media to highlight the importance of the trade mission and to improve Ireland's visibility as a competitive source of supply and location for investment.

Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 177.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 180.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 168.