Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to publish a new Asia strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11322/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's Asia Strategy operated for the period 1999 – 2009 and has been very successful in developing Ireland's Trade and other links with the key Asian economies. Ireland's exports to the eight priority countries of the final phase of that Strategy have risen from €4.0bn in 1999, to €10.3bn in 2008, well ahead of the target of €9bn, set for 2009. Full year export data for 2009 is not yet available but is likely to be broadly similar to 2008. The number of Irish companies with a presence in these countries has risen from 54 to 267, well ahead of the target of 215. In addition, substantial growth has been achieved on other targets relating to Tourism, specialist food exports, developing inward student numbers, academic partnerships and a range of other links and developments.

These outcomes, together with progress in wider awareness-raising, have been greatly assisted by focussed high-level visits. Over the last five years, Taoiseach-led Trade Missions have been organised to China, India and Japan and other Ministerial-led Trade Missions have taken place to China, India, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs has expanded their network of Embassies and Consulates in the region.

The Government are committed to developing and expanding this engagement, as the key Asian economies represent an exciting and continuously developing market for Irish goods and services. To this end and in response to the Smart Economy Framework, my Department is both reviewing the achievements of the Asia Strategy, as well as working with the Development Agencies and other Departments to develop a new Strategy for Trade, Investment and Tourism. The new strategy will focus on high growth emerging markets such as China, as well as on our existing key trading partners and its aim will be to increase our exports/investments in and from these markets. The new strategy will also bring further focus and coherence to Ireland's single-minded pursuit of our international economic and commercial interests. The inter-departmental and inter-agency consultations to date, point to the need for a new research based strategy that will run for 3-4 years in a fluid and changing trade and investment environment. It is intended to finalise this new Strategy later this year.