2 Apr 2015, 12:46
Irish Exchequer funding is making a major contribution to Vietnamese development, and the links forged must be harnessed to strengthen Irish export opportunities to this growing market, according to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.
2 April 2015
A three-person PAC delegation travelled to Vietnam last month to assess Irish Aid projects firsthand, and the Committee agreed a report on the visit this morning. Notwithstanding the huge strides Vietnam is making, the Committee notes that it continues to require development assistance.
The Report points to particular opportunities in the dairy sector and – in the context of the ending of milk quotas this week - calls for Bord Bia to open a base in Vietnam. It also suggests that Enterprise Ireland opens an office in Vietnam to support Irish indigenous companies wishing to export to its growing middle class.
Committee Vice-Chairman John Deasy TD, who led the delegation, says: “I welcome this report on the recent official visit to Vietnam – a country scarred by war and famine in our lifetime - to assess Irish Aid programmes. The delegation was most impressed with the manner in which the aid is being put to practical use to rid Vietnam of extreme poverty. The dedication of those who are working with the poor in Vietnam brings great credit to Ireland.
“The Committee is firmly of the view that the well-managed Irish Aid programmes should continue, with this assistance well recognised at senior levels of government in Vietnam. Furthermore, these links must be harnessed in the development of trade –particularly in food - as Vietnam moves towards middle income country status. In terms of managing risk, it is also important that Irish exporters enjoy a diversified export base across many emerging markets.
“Having followed up with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney TD on our return, we were informed of agreement, in principle, that the funds to be released to expand Bord Bia operations in emerging markets will include Vietnam. With the ending of milk quotas this week, the Committee see great potential to gain a bigger share of the market for dairy products in particular. In that context, this very tangible outcome from the official visit is to be warmly welcomed.”
Access report.
Ends
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Committee Membership
Deputies:
Áine Collins, Fine Gael
Paul J. Connaughton, Fine Gael
Joe Costello, Labour Party
John Deasy, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Seán Fleming, Fianna Fáil
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin
John McGuinness, Fianna Fáil (Chairman)
Gabrielle McFadden, Fine Gael
Derek Nolan, Labour Party
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John Perry, Fine Gael
Shane Ross, Independent