Written answers

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Trade Promotion

6:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which it is intended to renew efforts to increase diplomatic initiatives with a view to increasing trade with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20349/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland has very good trade relations with Russia. Bilateral trade is performing well, with two-way merchandise trade increasing by over 64% in 2010 to reach its highest ever level. Trade in goods and services in now worth over €1.6 billion per annum and there is good potential for this trade growth to continue. The Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015 has identified Russia as a key high-growth and high-potential market for Ireland. The local market team set up under the Strategy, with the participation of the relevant State Agencies, and chaired by our Ambassador, is already working actively to develop further trade, investment and education links. A local market plan for Russia has been prepared by this team and its implementation will be reviewed by the Export Trade Council, which I will chair, and which will hold its inaugural meeting later this month.

I hope to visit Russia in the autumn. A meeting of the Ireland-Russia Joint Economic Commission is planned to take place during my visit. This meeting will provide an opportunity to examine any current technical issues in the trade relationship and explore how our trade and business links with Russia can be further developed.

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