Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made in developing a programme of intensified Taoiseach led trade missions. [16161/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Trade missions are a valuable support to Irish business in developing exports to markets abroad. This is particularly the case in countries where government-to-government contacts are a prerequisite for doing business. The Export Trade Council, which will be established shortly and which I will chair, will consider the overall programme of trade missions including those to be led by the Taoiseach. I understand that the Taoiseach hopes to lead a Trade Mission to China later this year subject to agreement with the Chinese authorities on suitable dates. Contacts in this regard are continuing through our Embassy in Beijing.