John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1092: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade with Taiwan; his plans to open an Enterprise Ireland office in Taiwan; his plans to increase the level of trade with Taiwan in view of the opportunities available for Irish business in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2489/07]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's merchandise exports to Taiwan for 2005 were €333million and imports were €921million. Full year figures for 2006 are not yet available, but for the 10 months January — October, merchandise exports were €252million and imports were €822m. Statistics for services trade are not as well developed, but in 2004, the latest year for which data has been published, our services exports to Taiwan came to €297m but the figure for service imports for that year is not available.

I am conscious that Taiwan is a significant market for Irish exporters and, through Enterprise Ireland, the Government is facilitating developing our trade links there. Enterprise Ireland's work in relation to the Taiwan market is handled by their office in Hong Kong and the agency also uses the resources of a local consultant based in Taipei, when and as required. There are no plans to open an office in Taiwan in the immediate future.

Enterprise Ireland's strategy is to bring Taiwanese and Irish business communities into more regular contact, introducing Irish companies to export opportunities in Taiwan and raising the awareness of Ireland among the Taiwanese business community. The agency is proactively developing the sectors where clear opportunities have been identified for its Irish client base such as the education and IT sectors.

The Irish Education Services sector will again visit Taiwan this year when Enterprise Ireland will participate at a major Education fair in Taipei in November. It is hoped that a number of the Irish Universities and Colleges will attend.

Enterprise Ireland will continue to arrange individual itineraries for Irish companies interested in exploring opportunities in Taiwan — companies are assisted with setting up itineraries, logistics, sourcing interpreters, general business advice, introductions to local experts and partners and related issues.