Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide data on trade and investment between Ireland and the Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa; and the measures being taken by Government to enhance Ireland's trade and investment relationship with these states. [68292/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In October 2024, the Government approved Ireland’s Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa. The strategy sets out a comprehensive vision, including a commitment to strengthen two-way economic partnerships with this diverse and dynamic region.

Data on international trade in goods and services with the Arab States that fall within the scope of the strategy is available from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Based on CSO data, in 2024, total merchandise exports to these states amounted to approximately €2.68 billion, while total merchandise imports amounted to approximately €1.44 billion. In 2023, total exports in services amounted to approximately €13.97 billion, while imports in services amounted to approximately €1.99 billion.

To realise the promise and potential of economic partnerships with the MENA region, the strategy aims to reinforce a collaborative Team Ireland approach. Under the strategy, the Gulf Regional Market Team has been established with the aim of enhancing Team Ireland cooperation and coordination in these high potential markets.

The Government's Action Plan on Market Diversification also emphasises the importance of key international markets, such as the MENA region, and the importance of Joint Economic Commissions, including with major partners such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first meeting of the Ireland-UAE Joint Economic Commission will take place this month.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to work with private sector partners to deepen the economic links with the region. In line the objectives of Ireland's Strategy for the Middle East and North Africa, the Government supported the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce in its holding of the Arab-Irish Business Summit earlier this year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to support cross-Government, Team Ireland efforts to strengthen our economic engagement with the Middle East and North Africa region.