Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his objectives for improvement in the volume of trade with various countries throughout Europe and worldwide with particular reference to the development of new markets and alliances; if he envisages new trade agreements in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15939/13]
View answerIn 2012, the total value of merchandise exports was €92 billion, representing an increase of 1% on the 2011 figure (€91 billion), while services exports for 2012 reached €90 billion, an increase of 10.7% on the 2011 figure (€81 billion). Overall, Irish exports reached their highest level ever in 2012. Merchandise exports to Europe increased by 3.2% in 2012, with notable growth in exports to Switzerland (37.5%), Germany (19.7%), Denmark (11.6%), Poland (11%), Great Britain (7.3%), Netherlands (7.1%) and Belgium (2.4%). Outside of European markets, there was significant growth in merchandise exports to, inter alia, Canada (24.5%), Mexico (24%), Saudi Arabia (20.1%), Japan (20.5%), Russia (19.1%) and India (15%).
As the Deputy is aware, the Government Trade Strategy identifies 27 priority markets, including those with the best prospects for increased trade. Local market teams headed by our Ambassadors are in place in these markets and their work is overseen by the high level Export Trade Council, which I chair. My Department and Ireland’s Embassy network will continue to prioritise our work to support the growth of Irish exports. This year eighteen Ministerial-led Enterprise Ireland trade missions will take place to a variety of countries which have been identified as priority markets for Irish exporting companies in close co-operation with each of our relevant Embassies. I look forward to leading one of these missions myself to Turkey from 7 – 10 April 2013.
Competence for the EU's common commercial policy, which includes the negotiation of international trade agreements, lies with the European Union, and as a matter of Ireland's trade policy, comes within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton, T.D. As I understand it, the negotiations with Canada and with India could conclude in the short term, the prospects of concluding negotiations with Georgia, Moldova and Armenia are promising, the negotiations with Japan are set to begin in April, and negotiations with the US could begin as soon as the EU Council of Ministers adopts the mandate for negotiations, which we hope can be achieved under the Irish Presidency of the EU. I am keenly aware of the opportunities presented by EU Free Trade Agreements for Irish business and in this regard will continue to work closely with my Government colleague Minister Bruton in the framework of the Export Trade Council.
