Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the form of assessment which has been undertaken by her of the cost and benefits of the proposed Irish stand at Expo 2010 in Shanghai; the number of companies which have agreed to participate to date; if she has set targets in relation to spin-off activities from the Irish stand against which the success of the project could be judged in terms of inquiries, trade commitments entered into, joint ventures agreed and so on; and the extent to which matching funding from companies participating is being planned. [36623/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The development and expansion of Ireland's trade is a key economic objective and my Department strives to seize all opportunities to enhance our trade footprint. We are especially conscious of the necessity to secure new and emerging markets, including the fast growing Asian economies. In particular, trade with China has developed rapidly in recent years, as a result of the Government's Asia Strategy. Any potential trade benefits for Ireland, which could flow from our involvement in Expo 2010 in Shanghai, will, of course, be pursued. My Department has no responsibility for the arrangements relating to Ireland's pavilion at Expo 2010.