Dr. Pat Ivory:

Trade missions and the co-ordinated efforts of embassies, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia have been very effective. For example, during the major agrifood trade mission to China which took place earlier this year the role played by the ambassador, Mr. Declan Kelleher, and his team was appreciated by industry. From an Irish perspective, we have a great advantage in the State agency structure we have developed. Many of our European partners envy the fact that our agencies are promoting Irish exporters. This is not available to all SMEs across Europe. The strength of the Irish system is the role played by agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia.