Terence Flanagan
Question:68. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to improve trade with Japan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/14]
View answerWednesday, 15 January 2014
Questions (68)
Written answers
Trade and investment promotion are key priorities for the Government, as part of its wider strategy to promote economic growth and employment. The Government is committed to developing Ireland’s trade and investment relationship with Japan to the maximum extent possible. Japan is identified as a priority market under Ireland’s Trade Strategy, a review of which will be presented shortly.
Japan is Ireland’s 11th largest trading partner, with Ireland enjoying a trade surplus of 3:1. Total exports in 2012 were €4.8 billion while total imports were €1.6 billion. Japan is also a major source of Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland, with Japanese companies employing some 2,500 people here.
Implementation of our trade and investment priorities in Japan is led by the Local Market Team, chaired by our Ambassador and comprising the Embassy in Tokyo working with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
2013 provided particular opportunities to promote trade and investment with Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the first Japanese Prime Minister to visit Ireland when he came to Dublin last June. The Taoiseach paid a return visit to Japan in December, during which it was announced that Japan had lifted restrictions on the exports of Irish beef to Japan. This key breakthrough followed extensive work over many years by the Embassy, the Department of Agriculture and others, and presents significant opportunities for Irish food exporters.
The Taoiseach also engaged in extensive trade promotion activities in Japan, and agreed a Joint Declaration with PM Abe which provides for cooperation across a wide range of economic and other sectors.
Approximately 50 Irish Companies have a presence in Japan, while there are seven tenants in Enterprise Ireland’s Tokyo office Incubation Centre. EI support to companies includes introductions to potential partners and customers, provision of specialist knowledge on the market place, advice on best routes to market and on the ground support in the incubation centre.
The Embassy and the State Agencies are also working closely to create an awareness of Ireland as a centre for Trade, Innovation and Investment using media, trade missions, networking/multi-sectoral events around St. Patrick’s Day and other key events throughout the year.
The Government will continue to pro-actively utilise all opportunities to promote trade and investment links with Japan.