asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of Ireland's trade with China and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Trade with China.
19.
Total trade between Ireland and China (People's Republic) has risen in recent years. It was £11.4 million in 1982, £14.5 million in 1983, £22.8 million in 1984 and is estimated at £30 million this year. Ireland's exports for the same period were £3.1 million, £3.5 million, £6.6 million and are estimated at £12 million in 1985. The trade balance has thus consistently favoured China. The Deputy will be aware that a detailed breakdown of the figures up to October 1985 is available from the CSO.
It is clear from the foregoing that our trade relations with China have been developing rapidly and I believe this trend is set to continue. Minister of State Collins has just returned from the People's Republic of China where he led a very successful trade mission. During this mission orders worth £8.8 million were secured and a further £9.5 million are under serious negotiation. While Minister of State Collins expressed unease to his Chinese counterparts at the imbalance in our trade he stressed that he wanted to achieve a more even balance through a substantial growth in two way trade. His Chinese counterparts shared this view. It is proposed to conclude a co-operation agreement at an early date which will provide a formal structure within which the increased trade can be sought.
Overall, I believe that the prospects for extending trade are considerable. China has embarked on a policy with the aim of increasing GNP through the acquisition of foreign technology and expertise, improving their infrastructure and upgrading their manufacturing capacity. This will give rise to a significant import requirement of essential goods and services. There is no reason why Ireland should not participate in this process to our mutual advantage.