Seán Kenny
Ceist:228 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to have a new trade mission to China. [11734/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 May 2011
Ceisteanna (197)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government attaches great importance to developing our trade and bilateral links with our Asian partners and in particular with China. The latest available data shows that Ireland has a modest trade surplus with that country, a dramatic turnaround from the position as recently as in 2006, when we had a trade deficit of €2.9bn with China. We look forward to building on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries to further enhance our trade, investment, education and tourism links with China. Towards this end, the recently launched strategy and action plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015, entitled Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy Strategy, has identified China as a key high-growth and high-potential market for Ireland.
Key instruments to pursue trade expansion are, of course, Trade Missions. In this context, the Taoiseach very much hopes to be in a position to lead a Trade Mission to China, perhaps later this year, though of course this is a matter for agreement with the Chinese authorities. Contact between our respective administrations is continuing, including through our Embassy in Beijing, to see if a visit can be confirmed on mutually acceptable dates. The Taoiseach will, of course, be accompanied by other relevant Ministers on that Mission, in order to maximize its trade and other benefits for Ireland.