asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on his most recent tour of foreign countries; and if there is any likelihood of expanding exports particularly in areas with which Ireland has a serious imbalance of trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Promotion.
255.
I arrived back from my export promotion visit to the Middle East only three days ago, whilst the trade mission to that area has not yet returned. It is too soon, therefore, to estimate the effect of the visit on Irish exports to that area.
I have good hopes of a further substantial rise in exports generally this year. Exports in the period January to September, 1969, were valued at £269.4 million which was £26.5 million higher than the figure for the corresponding period in 1968. I am glad to say that some of this increase was achieved in countries with which we have a serious imbalance of trade.