The promotion of Ireland's economic and trading interests is a key priority for my Department and the Embassy network. Currently the diplomatic network includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 Consulates General. Many of our Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis. The Embassy network is engaged on a continuous basis, in close co-operation with the relevant State Agencies, in the drive to promote Irish exports and our economic profile internationally. Embassies are a very effective platform for accessing key business contacts and opportunities and they regularly host promotional events in association with the State Agencies. They are also essential to the facilitation of trade missions organised by the State Agencies, including the Enterprise Ireland missions bringing Irish companies to international markets. In preparing programmes of trade and promotional activity for Ministers and other visitors, the Embassy network ensures that high level visits are leveraged for maximum impact. This is the case, for example, during the key St. Patrick's Day period, the programmes for which are currently being prepared. As an essential part of their activity, Ambassadors and Embassy network staff are constantly developing political, business and media contacts which can be used to advance Ireland's economic interests overseas and they are ready to assist Irish exporters and business people whenever possible.
Under Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, the Government’s Trade Strategy and Action Plan for the integrated promotion of overseas trade, tourism and investment, twenty seven key markets have been identified based on the priorities of the State Agencies. The relevant Ambassador in each case chairs a local market team which includes representatives from the relevant State Agencies in the field. These market teams submit annual market plans as well as twice yearly reports on implementation for review by the Export Trade Council which I chair and which brings together the relevant Ministers, senior Departmental representatives, State Agency CEOs and individuals with experience of the export sector. The second meeting of the Council, which I chaired on 16 February 2012, provided the most recent opportunity to review the progress being made in relation to maximising trade opportunities in both existing and emerging markets.
