Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her recent official visit to the Gulf; the results achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44902/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The mission to the United Arab Emirates, which took place between 24 and 28 November last, was organised by Enterprise Ireland. The mission was undertaken because the UAE represents an exciting market for Irish companies. With its oil reserves and, crucially, significant non-oil economic activities, it offers significant market opportunities to Irish companies. The country is the dominant hub for business operations in the Middle East, has a strong pro-business environment and has very significant state capital expenditure in many sectors. In the year that followed the trade mission of January 2007, which was led by the then Taoiseach, Irish merchandise exports to the UAE increased by 34%. This healthy trend has been maintained for the first seven months of this year, with an increase of 23% on the same period last year. In addition, exports of services are strong and growing rapidly.

Because of the solid prospects for continued growth, this trade mission was undertaken to build on the success that has already been achieved. Some 88 companies and organisations took part in the mission. I officiated at a wide range of events to promote the efforts of the participating companies, to strengthen relationships with key contacts in the UAE market and to raise the profile of Ireland as a source of quality innovative goods and services. I met two Government Ministers to discuss a range of issues, relating to specific State projects of interest to Irish companies, and to develop wider political contacts and build on existing strong levels of Irish-UAE co-operation at official level. During the mission, 32 contracts and agreements were signed by Irish businesses from a variety of sectors, particularly construction, engineering, architecture, software and financial services. The value of the contracts and agreements signed was €40 million. I am confident that the work undertaken on the trade mission will lead to the further expansion of Irish exports to the region.