Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 1 February 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

All-Ireland Economy: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Martin Robinson:

Regarding some of the specific facts and figures, I referred to the growth across all sectors. Almost 90% of the commodity groups have grown year on year. Manufacturing is obviously still very important. A total of €4 billion accounts for one third of all cross-Border trade. I know the committee met Manufacturing NI and other groups. We have a fantastic manufacturing base North and South and great opportunities for collaboration. Construction is still important for us. It accounts for more than €1 billion. Clearly, agrifood is a thriving sector with lots of cross-Border activity in terms of supply and food production chains, with meat, dairy and animal products contributing more than €2 billion to the total of cross-Border trade. Pharmaceuticals is another area where we have seen growth. The key message, from our perspective, is to encourage businesses to look to the cross-Border market. It is a thriving market on our doorstep. As the Deputy said, people do not think about a border when they are doing business. There are great opportunities for all businesses of all sizes across all sectors.

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