Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the recent trade mission that he led to Malaysia; and the expected economic outcomes of the trade mission. [50098/12]
View answerThe Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, TD, made an official visit to Malaysia from 24-28 October. This was followed by a visit to Vietnam from 28-31 October. Malaysia is a priority market under the Government’s Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015 which sets out the overarching framework for rebuilding and repositioning Ireland for strong export-led growth. In 2011, Malaysia was Ireland’s 6th largest trading partner in Asia with merchandise trade valued at €694.51 million. Exports were valued at €463.39 million; imports at €228.15 million. The Minister’s visit took forward bilateral consultations which I held with my counterpart the Malaysian Minister for Foreign Affairs during his visit to Ireland in March 2012.
While in Malaysia, the Minister was invited to attend the Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum and delivered the keynote address. This Business Forum brought together some 200 business leaders from leading Irish and international companies throughout the region and was focused on opportunities for expanding trade and investment links between Ireland and Asia. A number of Irish Ambassadors and representatives from the State Agencies were invited to and also participated in the Forum.
In addition to participating in the Business Forum, Minister Costello also undertook a range of engagements in Malaysia. These included meetings with his counterparts in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade. The Minister marked also the 25th anniversary of ESB International’s presence in Malaysia, and met the Irish Chambers of Commerce from the region. Minister Costello visited the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland campus at Perdana University, where Malaysian students follow the RCSI syllabus. Finally, Minister Costello attended the annual Asian Gaelic Games in Kuala Lumpur, which featured the participation of 1,000 players and supporters from across Asia and the Gulf region.
This visit provided a significant opportunity to focus attention on the growing trade and investment opportunities which exist in a key regional market, as well as to engage further with important interlocutors to further enhance Ireland's bilateral relations with Malaysia. Together with my colleagues, I am committed to deepen engagement with Malaysia, to encourage the growing Irish presence in Malaysia, and to expand links with the Malaysian and wider business community in the ASEAN region notably in the education and tourism sectors.
