Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures available to small and medium enterprises who wish to break into emerging economy export markets; the new assistance measures he will provide to such SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government sets out clearly that Ireland's economic recovery must be export-led and commits us to achieving the maximum growth in exports. The Government has given a commitment to progressively implement the recommendations in the strategy and action plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015, entitled Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, developed by my Department last year, which will, inter alia, position Ireland to develop better trade relationships with emerging economies.

Through Enterprise Ireland, a comprehensive suite of business supports are available to exporting companies. These programmes are tailored to a company's stage of export development, such as the International Selling Programme and the Excel at Export Selling workshop series as well as "First Flight" workshops. Companies are offered the services of a Mentor to assist them, in a systematic way, with their export preparation and development needs.

As well as training programmes, Enterprise Ireland also helps companies retain the services of a Business Accelerator - an industry expert within a specific sector and market, with the experience, knowledge and contacts to support the company's expansion and development into an export market, while the Going Global Fund supports well established but domestically-focussed companies investigate business opportunities on the international market. The fund is designed to assist successful applicants to evaluate and assess overseas market opportunities; develop plans to tailor their current service/product offer for overseas markets; identify suitable channels to international markets; examine possibilities for web-enabling its service offer for export markets; and undertake overseas market research.

Through its "Client Knowledge Services" offer Enterprise Ireland allows client companies and potential exporters access to a comprehensive library of sector and market intelligence and information on "doing business overseas". This complements Enterprise Ireland's market advisors' work in the overseas office. Enterprise Ireland has also developed detailed "third-party provider" contacts (legal, tax etc.) in priority markets which can be accessed by new exporters as well as organising and engaging business networks in all markets wherever possible.

Enterprise Ireland also recognises the importance of ensuring a supply of high calibre graduates across all business functions in terms future economic growth. To this end it has recently launched the second call of its very successful Graduates 4 International Growth. This initiative brings together a graduate and a company that are both focused on making a lasting impact in overseas markets. Graduates, with the potential to be the next generation of business development executives, will be matched with an ambitious internationally trading company and will be provided with a structured means of acquiring new skills in international business. Graduates will also deliver a project that clearly links with their company's in market growth plans.

Key instruments to pursue trade expansion are, of course, Trade Missions and over the last five years, there have been a number of Trade Missions to key emerging markets such as the BRIC countries and others including the Middle East and South Africa. A further indicator of commitment to developing our trading relationships is the fact that the Department of Foreign Affairs has expanded its network of Embassies and Consulates in some of those countries and Enterprise Ireland has opened new offices to facilitate Irish companies developing export opportunities there. In addition, Enterprise Ireland has a dedicated High Growth Markets Unit in Dublin to provide further assistance to client companies doing business in a range of countries, including the key emerging markets.

Furthermore I have retained responsibility for trade policy and consequently, my Department is engaged in the promotion of Ireland's trade interests through, for example, the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements between the EU and third countries. A Free Trade Agreement is now in place with South Korea and another is under negotiation with India. I also place a particular emphasis on promoting less restrictive global trade arrangements by means of the current round of world trade talks at the World Trade Organisation and developing new opportunities for exporters by reductions in tariff and non-tariff barriers through trade and regulatory discussions between the EU and China, Russia, Brazil and the United States.

All the efforts have borne considerable fruit. Between 2005 and 2010, merchandise exports to these countries have risen 73% and between 2004 and 2009 (latest available year). Services exports have risen by 622%. A key example of this success is the fact that Ireland now has a modest trade surplus with China, a dramatic turnaround from the position only three years ago when we had a trade deficit of €2.9bn with that country.