Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
387. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide advice on the organisation of a trade mission to Ireland by a group of 30 business people from East Africa with the view of gaining knowledge and partnerships in their sectors of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36240/23]
View answerTrade between Ireland and African countries is at record levels and has the potential to grow significantly in the years ahead. In 2021, trade in goods between Ireland and Africa increased to a record level of €2.41 billion (€1.85 billion in Irish exports and €0.55 billion in Irish imports). Trade in services also reached a record level of just over €4 billion (€3.5 billion in exports and €0.57 billion in imports).
Proposals for any official trade mission or trade visit to Ireland should be raised through the relevant countries’ embassies to Ireland in the first instance. Ireland is supportive of strengthening economic links with African countries and the Department of Foreign Affairs has a significant presence across Africa. Therefore, any proposals for a trade visit could also be raised with the relevant embassy of Ireland.
