Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will provide a list of the members of the Asia strategy; if those involved in devising the Asia strategy will be engaged in drafting a new trade strategy for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26430/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Asia Strategy was drafted by officials of my Department in consultation with relevant Agencies, Departments and key stakeholders. Oversight of that Strategy was undertaken by a High Level Group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprising senior Public and Private Sector representatives. The Asia Strategy covered the period 1999 - 2009.

A new Strategy for Trade, Tourism and Investment, currently being finalised, is being drafted by officials in my Department with the assistance of Forfás and in consultation with all the relevant Government Departments and State Agencies. In addition, exporters themselves and their representative bodies were consulted. The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D., held two round-table meetings with businesses and bodies such as the Irish Exporters Association, IBEC, Irish Diary Board, ISME and SFA. The new integrated strategy will focus on high growth emerging markets, as well as on our existing key trading partners and its aim will be to increase our economic engagement in these key markets, grow exports and create jobs in Ireland.