Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
90. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60491/22]
View answerThe goals of the Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2026: Value for Ireland, Values for the World, are to see Ireland grow sustainably, diversify export markets and provide for Ireland’s continued economic wellbeing. The strategy addresses not only trade and investment issues but also related issues such as climate action, sustainable development, equality and human rights, through setting out a principled and holistic approach to trade policy.
Implementation of the strategy is coordinated by my Department and overseen by a Senior Officials Group and the Trade & Investment Council which I co-chair with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Progress is well underway on implementing each of the priorities identified in the strategy.
A review aimed at refreshing the Local Market Teams, comprised of embassy and agency teams around the world, is nearing completion. This will form the basis for our continuing trade promotion activities internationally.
Preparatory economic analysis is now being completed for the establishment of an Expert Group on Global Value Chains and Supply Chains to identify global supply chain opportunities and threats. This important workstream is of direct relevance to the new White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. In similar vein, Ireland's broader economic 'ecosystem' is being kept under review by the Trade & Investment Council with a view to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness on this front.
At the end of October my Department collaborated with the Department of Foreign Affairs in organising a conference on Ireland and the Single Market, as part of a wider series of events and initiatives to mark and celebrate 50 years of Ireland's membership of the European Union. In 2023 my Department and agencies will be organising further events to highlight, to both domestic and international audiences, Ireland's role as a globally-trading nation including the benefits of EU free trade agreements.
Planning is now underway for an inaugural Trade Mission Week in 2023, which will build on our annual programme of trade missions by focussing the expertise of the trade promotion agencies and Government Departments on a single strategic geographic area. There are logistical and strategic factors to be taken into account, and Trade & Investment Council will provide guidance and direction on how best to make a success of this initiative in the year ahead.
Underpinning all of this is a strategy to communicate the benefits of international trade and investment for Ireland.
