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Trade Missions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (495)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

495. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the outcomes of his five day trade and investment mission to China and Japan in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37055/13]

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Written answers

Ministerial led Trade Missions raise Ireland’s profile as a world-class supplier of goods and tradable services, and increase awareness of Ireland as a competitive source of world-class expertise and products as well as promoting Ireland as an attractive location for foreign direct investment.

It should be noted that such missions are not simply focused on developing trade but rather are now increasingly creating opportunities over a range of business areas - creating linkages and building contacts and networks that will produce benefits over the long term and ensure maximum value.

During my most recent visit to China and Japan, which was my 15th such mission since taking office, I was accompanied by senior officials from Enterprise Ireland, IDA and my Department. The primary aims of the visit were:

(i) Attracting investment and jobs to Ireland from multinational companies from China and Japan, and

(ii) Supporting Irish companies seeking to increase their exports to China and Japan, thereby growing economic activity and jobs in Ireland

During the course of the 5 day visit I engaged in more than 30 high level meetings and events as follows:-

- 11 one to one meetings with Multinational companies considering establishing operations in Ireland or already located here;

- 15 events and meeting aimed at promoting Irish companies who are seeking to increase their exports in the Chinese /Japanese markets,

- 3 media events one each in Shenzhen, Beijing and Tokyo, to communicate Ireland’s recovery story and in particular the strengths of Irish exporting companies and of Ireland as a location for FDI, and

- 4 High level political meeting both in China and Japan, including a meeting with my counterpart in the Chinese Government, Gao Hucheng, Minister for Commerce.

Overall the engagements were positive and, while there are no tangible outcomes to report at this early stage, I am not surprised as major investment projects can involve a lengthy evaluation and decision making process and it is often the case that, following such a visit, a considerable number of meetings and discussions will be required before an investment is announced. I am, however, optimistic that new investments and jobs will follow in time.

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