Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the value of Irish imports from Malaysia in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Trade With Malaysia.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the value of Irish exports to Malaysia in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
Over the last ten years imports from Malaysia have doubled while our exports have trebled albeit from a lower base figure. I am anxious that our trade with Malaysia should increase both in merchandise exports and in the services sector. It was with this in mind that I accompanied the Taoiseach on an official visit to Malaysia from 27 to 30 May, 1993. Nineteen Irish companies from the services sector with a particular focus on education, healthcare, engineering consultancy and aviation made up the trade mission part of the delegation.
During the course of the visit, business worth $60 million was negotiated. I am convinced that this market is one in which Irish companies can effectively and profitably increase their market share.
I will circulate in the Official Report a tabular statement which details Ireland's trade (imports and exports) with Malaysia in each of the past ten years. These figures refer to merchandise trade and do not include trade in services which I believe shows the greatest potential for expansion with Malaysia.
Trade with Malaysia.
|
Year |
Imports |
Exports |
Balance |
|
(£000) |
(£000) |
(£000) |
|
|
1983 |
19,200 |
8,047 |
–11,153 |
|
1984 |
24,529 |
8,678 |
–15,851 |
|
1985 |
20,193 |
7,115 |
–13,078 |
|
1986 |
13,605 |
7,011 |
–6,594 |
|
1987 |
16,313 |
5,723 |
–10,590 |
|
1988 |
22,545 |
10,789 |
–11,756 |
|
1989 |
25,763 |
18,823 |
–6,940 |
|
1990 |
36,000 |
21,808 |
–14,192 |
|
1991 |
42,514 |
25,010 |
–17,504 |
|
1992 |
36,734 |
28,235 |
–8,499 |