Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a report on the trade missions that he has embarked on to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30421/22]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The ministerial led trade mission programme is delivered by the Tanaiste and the Ministers of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In my capacity as Minister of State for Trade Promotion I have undertaken a number of visits this year.

As part of the Government's 2022 St Patrick's Day programme of Ministerial visits abroad to promote Ireland and Irish interests around the world, I travelled to India. While in India, I met with my counterparts in the Indian Government to discuss strengthening trade relations. I also met with key business leaders and education institutions to support the growing economic and educational links between Ireland and India, and to explore opportunities for further collaboration. I also launched the Indian branch of the Ireland-India Business Association and opened Ireland House in Mumbai, both of which marked a significant new chapter in Ireland’s economic relationship with India.

In April, I led an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Lisbon in which ten EI client companies from a range of sectors participated. While in Portugal, I spoke at a number of Enterprise Ireland trade events and met with participating Enterprise Ireland client companies to learn about their export objectives.

In May, I led a joint EI/IDA trade mission to Georgia, South Carolina, Monterrey and Mexico in which 26 Irish companies participated. I met with senior executives from across the talent technology, fintech, advanced manufacturing and digital technology sectors. I also met with Mexican officials and counterparts.

Also in May, I led a two day trade mission to Spain which was focussed on the experience and expertise that Irish construction companies have earned in the high-tech construction sub-sector.

This month I am leading a four-day trade mission to Germany, France and the Netherlands, jointly organised by the Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. The four-day trade mission, visiting Frankfurt, Paris, the Hague and Amsterdam will have a strong focus on the technology industry, both presenting FDI opportunities, and promoting Irish innovation and collaboration between Irish companies and companies in Germany, France and the Netherlands.