Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Government is fully committed to developing and expanding engagement with the key high potential markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China, as these countries are very promising destinations for the sale of Irish goods and services.

The agreed programme for Government commits us to achieve the maximum growth in exports, including the long-term development of new markets. We plan to implement progressively the recommendations in the strategy and action plan for Irish trade, tourism and investment to 2015 entitled, Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. This has a particular focus on Brazil, Russia, India and China. The formation of the Export Trade Council under the chairmanship of the Tánaiste has given new impetus to this work. It will develop initiatives that will help export growth in these markets. Specific co-ordinated market plans for each of the BRIC countries have been devised, involving all the State agencies.

I have had discussions with a number of groups regarding the scope for developing a more effective Asia trade strategy. This was specifically discussed at the global economic forum and proposals made there are being assessed.

Key instruments to pursue trade expansion are Minister-led trade missions. I led a trade mission to India in April last, with 22 Enterprise Ireland client companies participating. I would be eager to have a trade mission to China next year to reinforce our success in that market.

Enterprise Ireland has opened new offices to facilitate Irish companies developing export opportunities to these four countries. Good progress is being made in these markets albeit from a low base. In the four years between 2006 and 2010 our merchandise exports to the BRIC economies increased by 69% and our services exports by an even more impressive 130%.

At European level, I have pressed for new trade opportunities for Irish exporters, through the negotiation of new free trade agreements with India, and as part of Russia's forthcoming membership of the World Trade Organisation. The Tánaiste recently signed a programme for trade and economic co-operation with Russia which opens up new opportunities.

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