Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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275. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a food-related virtual trade mission to Japan and United Arab Emirates early in 2021. [39024/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Gaining third country market access and opening trading opportunities around the world for Irish exports have long been integral to my Department’s strategic approach to the development of the agri-food sector. This is particularly important as we deal with the challenges presented by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trade missions have become an integral part of this strategy, and the selection of the destination of each mission is agreed following consideration of a number of factors, including Bord Bia's market prioritisation analysis. The latter exercise has already assisted in the selection of Japan as a destination for two very successful trade missions.

Of course, our traditional in-person method of developing trade with customers is not feasible currently. To that end, my Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, is holding a series of Virtual Trade Missions on five dates spanning November and December with customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. These interactive engagements will include Irish exporters and existing and potential overseas customers. Also in November, a series of virtual meetings has been held with key international customers in various countries, including customers from Japan and the UAE.

At the moment, I do not have any immediate plans to lead trade missions to Japan or the UAE. However, I can confirm that officials from my Department, in consultation with Bord Bia, are finalising my trade mission programme for 2021.