Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has satisfied himself that adequate new export markets are available for Irish manufactured goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31960/05]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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While considerable effort is devoted to developing and enhancing Ireland's traditional existing markets for exports, with Northern Europe remaining our biggest market, there have been considerable achievements in opening up new markets in recent years. Last year, Asia, a relatively new export market for Irish companies showed the largest growth in exports for Enterprise Ireland client companies, increasing by almost 20%. That region continues to demonstrate great potential. Pursuing the targets set out in the Government's Asia strategy is a priority for the next five years. In addition, exploiting the prospects offered by existing export markets and newer markets such as central and eastern Europe will also be important for future growth.