Joe Walsh
Ceist:32 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, that have been taken to increase trade through the goodwill generated by the high levels of aid and assistance given by Ireland to Tanzania. [5876/95]
Written Answers. - Trade with Tanzania.
Irish exports to Tanzania came to £3.9 million in 1993 and given that country's current state of development it would not be realistic to expect that merchandise trade will show significant growth in the immediate future. However, a number of Irish companies in the services sector are currently pursuing opportunities presented by internationally-funded aid projects. While these contracts are awarded on the commercial merits, I have no doubt that, all things being equal, the goodwill generated by Ireland's aid programme in Tanzania does stand to the credit of Irish companies when tendering for such business. For example, ESB International recently succeeded in securing two World Bank funded projects in Tanzania worth almost £2 million, and I would hope that other Irish companies and organisations will enjoy similar success in the future. In addition, the Irish Development Aid Office in Dar-Es-Salaam which oversees the Irish aid programme, also offers practical advice and assistance for Irish companies seeking to do business in Tanzania.