Vol. 521 No. 1
111 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the results if any, in economic value terms, arising from her promotional trips abroad in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16738/00]
The development of government to government relationships is often a key requirement in providing access to decision makers in certain target markets and also enables Ireland to make a statement of its commitment to the development of business in those marketplaces.
Ministerial involvement in marketing and trade promotion activity complements the continuous work carried on by Enterprise Ireland, through its overseas office network, developing and maintaining market contact, carrying out market research and information gathering and helping Enterprise Ireland clients to internationalise their businesses.
Ministerial involvement in promotional visits abroad is designed to help Irish companies achieve and increase business in selected target markets. They provide a unique opportunity for companies to gain access to key buyers, establish high-level contacts relevant to the development of their business in the market in question and supplement the continuous work carried on by companies at an individual level.
It is not possible to attribute direct results to specific visits and, therefore, progress must be viewed in the context of Enterprise Ireland's overall marketing and trade promotion programme. The consolidation of commercial relationships and an increased profile for Ireland, as a competitive source of supply, are the immediate results of such activity.
