Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - Trade with India.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

39 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the bilateral trading situation between Ireland and India; the position regarding the promotion of Ireland's trading potential in India; if she will have arrangements made to have a selected Indian trade mission visit Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10932/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Miss Harney)

Provisional trade figures for Ireland's merchandise exports to India in 1997 totalled £33.5 million, an increase of nearly 37 per cent on 1996. Provisional figures for merchandise imports from India in 1997 totalled nearly £56 million, a decrease of 17 per cent on 1996. India is undergoing extensive economic reform resulting in increasing liberalisation of the market. These reforms have given high priority to increasing investment, reducing barriers to trade and improving transparency of regulations.

An Bord Tráchtála's Singapore office has responsibility for the Indian market and has a trade consultant located in Bombay to assist Irish companies who are interested in exporting to India. I am informed by An Bord Tráchtála that, due to the vast size of the Indian market, opportunities for Irish exporters exist mainly in certain niche markets such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, industrial products and international consultancy services. The question of a trade mission from India to Ireland is primarily a matter for the Indian Government and any initiative in this respect would be welcomed.