Bernard J. Durkan
Question:74 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the countries with which Ireland has established new markets or trade relations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9662/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Trade.
Ireland conducts some trade with virtually every country in the world, even if it is at an extremely low level in some cases. The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, supports the development of Irish exports by working with individual companies to move into markets where they are not already active, even if other Irish companies are already active there, by working with companies to improve their market penetration in markets where they are already active and seeking to encourage companies to take advantage of opportunities in markets where Irish industry generally has not had planned, strategic activity previously.
For exporters, it is important to take a strategic approach to market development and as a Government it is important for us to take the same kind of strategic approach. While Enterprise Ireland has worked with many companies individually to develop their market strategies, it has also worked to ensure that the level of activity of Irish companies in some key markets is developed. Examples of such activities in some of our key overseas markets include the fact that the UK market is our largest overseas market accounting for 44% of indigenous exports or €4.6 billion in 2001, a 4% increase on 2000. This is a credible performance in difficult world trading conditions, particularly in the later part of 2001. First time and emerging exporters continued to provide a feedstock of companies for intensive in-market development. Some 77 companies exported for the first time in 2001 and 32 companies doubled their 2000 export performance. More than 250 companies participated in 58 in-market activities and a further 315 carried out in- depth market assessment to focus on long-term marketing strategies for the UK.
The sharp downturn in the US economy in 2001 slowed the rate of sales growth by Irish companies doing business in the market. However, many of them are performing much better than had been expected and a positive outturn is anticipated. The number of offices established by Irish companies in the US, primarily in the high tech sectors, increased by 20% during 2001 to a total of 249. Enterprise Ireland is stepping up its marketing support for client companies in the US in response to market challenges to help improve the positioning of the companies and their business solutions. An office has been opened in Washington DC to assist new market entrants to that region.
Asia is growing in importance as a market for Irish companies. During 2001, 50 companies participated in the largest ever trade mission to Japan and more than 80 itineraries were organised in China involving 50 companies. The eur:opp 2003 strategy to develop opportunities for Irish companies in continental Europe was intensified in 2001. In addition to in-market action, extensive work was carried out with 120 companies in a highly focused way to increase their level of business. Some new presences were established in the form of sales offices, distributors and assembly operations.
Enterprise Ireland established a Europe wide network of market experts to provide companies with specific sectoral intelligence and to develop high level contacts and networking. This activity generates critical sales leads and speeds up market entry. Enterprise Ireland is also building on its overseas incubator network which facilitates the establishment by Irish companies of a market presence which keeps them close to their customers. It started this year with 11 incubators worldwide incorporating 36 units compared with two this time last year with ten units.
In the United States, Enterprise Ireland has successful incubators in Silicon Valley, New York and Boston and has recently established a new office in Santa Monica with a particular focus on digital media companies. Enterprise Ireland participated in an exploratory mission to Argentina and Brazil in the latter half of 2001 and continues to explore export opportunities in South America. Across Europe, it has established incubator space in Paris, Munich, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Vienna. This year it will open new business accommodation in Dusseldorf and Madrid. In Asia, incubators are already in place in Singapore, Tokyo and Shanghai, with one in Beijing about to be established. What this means is that at any one time right across the globe, 36 Irish companies will be able to use these offices on a rotating arrangement as a base from which to develop the markets.
Enterprise Ireland is committed to increasing the flow of start-ups through a strong, aggressive promotional focus to sourcing entrepreneurs via targeted marketing strategies aimed at various segments.