Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2006
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that Irish export markets are secure and capable of maintaining their position for the future in view of increased evidence of greater competition; the markets currently under most pressure; his plans to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37952/06]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to the reply I made to similar Questions put by him on 7th February, 2006.
The ability of Irish companies to successfully market and sell overseas is critical for the success of the Irish economy, particularly in the rapidly evolving international marketplace. In this connection, there has been a very creditable performance recently on the part of Irish exporters in a difficult trading environment against a background of global economic slowdown and rising oil prices. The Irish economy has absorbed the effects of the increased energy prices remarkably well and has managed to remain competitive in international markets.
The latest trade figures released by the Central Statistics Office indicate that Irish merchandise exports increased by 3% for the seven-month period January-July 2006 relative to January-July 2005. This is a robust performance and well in line with our main competitors. Exports to the UK have kept pace relative to last year which is again a good performance. Elsewhere, exports increased by 7% to the United States, by 5% to Germany and by 9% to Belgium, relative to the same period in 2005.
The EU continues to increase in importance as an export market, consistently accounting for 62% of all Irish exports. The latest CSO figures also show that, in almost all cases, exports to the ten new Member States have been increasing, with Poland showing the largest increase at+33%, or up by €50 million in value terms.
Enterprise Ireland is the agency with responsibility for the development of the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. In 2005, Enterprise Ireland clients won 733 new customers, distributors or partners in export markets in 2005. In addition, 157 client companies established an overseas market presence during the year, 187 companies entered new export markets and 74 clients were first-time exporters.
My Department and its agencies continue to encourage Irish companies to undertake increased levels of investment in research, to use more technology in product development and to encourage more innovation across all sectors of the economy. This will help firms produce improved value added products and services, and in the longer term lead to longer lasting and higher quality jobs. In order to develop fully and optimise true potential, Irish companies must also develop the capability to win international sales and establish international presence in core markets. This of course, requires the ability to market successfully overseas.
Following on from the recommendations contained in the strategy review — "Ahead of the Curve" — Enterprise Ireland has put in place an International Selling Programme to increase the number of sales professionals within the agency's client companies. The Programme is aimed at companies that are currently exporting and seeks to develop their current and long-term sales strategies.
In addition, both myself, and my colleague, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, T.D., have been active in leading trade missions, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, to a range of markets. Most recently, Trade Missions were led to South Africa, Canada and China, in each of which approximately 30 Irish companies participated.
