Michael P. Kitt
Question:36. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the trade missions he has planned for the remainder of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23191/13]
View answerThursday, 16 May 2013
Questions (36, 62)
Derek Keating
Question:62. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent trade missions that he has undertaken on behalf of the State; the benefits of these and the outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 62 together.
Trade missions are an important element of the Government’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, which recognises the valuable role they play in developing and creating new trade, tourism and investment opportunities for Ireland. Ultimately, the contracts won and contacts made during trade missions lead to job creation and long-term economic benefits for Ireland.
In 2012, Enterprise Ireland Ministerial trade missions, organised with the active support of my Department’s Embassy network and involving EI client companies, secured over €200 million in new and additional contracts for Irish businesses. Ultimately, the contracts won and contacts made during trade missions lead to job creation and long-term economic benefits for Ireland. In 2012, Enterprise Ireland Ministerial trade missions, organised with the active support of my Department’s Embassy network and involving EI client companies, secured over €200 million in new and additional contracts for Irish businesses.
Trade promotion and economic messaging are, of course, key elements in many other Ministerial visits abroad and this was particularly so during the recent St. Patrick’s Day period. I travelled to Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington DC to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests in the US. The centrepiece of my programme in Atlanta was an ‘Invest in Ireland’ Business Leaders Forum organised by the IDA in conjunction with our Consulate General. This event targeted both existing IDA clients and potential new investors. I also held separate meetings with a number of major US and Irish companies operating in the Atlanta area. The programme for New Orleans included further business networking, political and cultural events. My programme for Washington DC included meetings with President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, and a number of high level political meetings during which the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and Ireland’s economic recovery were among the items discussed.
Most recently, I undertook a four-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Turkey from 7 to 10 April, which was organised in close co-operation with my Department and the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara, during which contracts of over €30 million were agreed. During the mission, I held a range of meetings with prominent business people and business organisations in Ankara and Istanbul, including the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) which signed a memorandum of understanding with the Irish Exporters Association. In addition, I met with the President of Turkey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for European Affairs, the Minister for the Economy, the Minister for Science and Technology and the Minister for Energy. Government to Government contacts are highly valued in Turkey when doing business and such meetings provided vital support to Irish companies, in terms of establishing their credibility and gaining access to the business community at the appropriate levels.
Looking forward to the second half of the year, I will continue to actively promote Ireland’s economic interests overseas wherever possible, whether at targeted events and trade missions organised by Enterprise Ireland with the support of the Embassy network or in the course of broader bilateral visits.