Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2010
188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of countries and locations he has visited in each of the past three years in the course of promotion of Irish food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45598/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince assuming office in May 2008, I have sought at all appropriate opportunities to raise the profile and secure market opportunities and share for Irish Food and Beverage products on export markets. This has been and will remain a key priority. Trade promotions are a key part of the relationship building process with current and potential customers of Irish food and drink in Ireland's prospective and existing markets.
Ministerial attendance can obviously raise the profile of events and significantly attract key senior decision making buyers and executives. This allows Irish companies to build their relationships with existing customers and forge new relationship to expand Ireland's €7.1 billion export food and drink business. This is precisely the level of contact that our Irish food exporting companies require and appreciate in terms of gaining access or increased market share in key and invaluable EU and 3rd country markets.
The details in terms of countries and the related events and which I have attended since assuming office in May 2008 are set out below. Where practicable, events were scheduled to coincide with other elements of official business including bilateral meetings with Ministerial counterparts.
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
October |
France |
SIAL (In conjunction with Bord Bia) Paris |
|
November |
United States |
Enterprise Ireland Promotion including events in Chicago and Philadelphia as well as opening of Bord Bia office in New York |
|
December |
United Kingdom |
Bord Bia Trade Reception in London |
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
January |
Japan |
Trade Mission to Japan including Enterprise Ireland & Bord Bia trade promotion events in Tokyo |
|
March |
Germany |
Trade promotion events (Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Enterprise Ireland) in Munich, Düsseldorf and Berlin |
|
September |
Finland & Denmark |
Enterprise Ireland Business Development visit to Helsinki & Copenhagen |
|
France |
Bord Bia Promotion |
|
Month |
Location |
Event(s) & Location |
|
March |
Italy |
Trade promotion events in Rome, Milan and Bologna |
|
May |
China |
SIAL Shanghai and (In conjunction with Bord Bia) & trade related promotions in Beijing including Irish Dairy Board office opening |
|
October |
France |
SIAL Paris |
