Exporters Targetting Increased Trade In The Gulf Region. Ireland’s capabilities as a trading partner and a source ofquality goods and services to be highlighted - Kitt

Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister for Trade today (Tuesday 9th May, 2000) departed on a week long Trade Mission with fifteen Irish companies to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Commenting on the mission, the Minister said, "This week-long Trade Mission is the latest element in a continuous programme of trade development between Ireland and countries in the region. The mission is focused on increasing awareness among buyers in key sectors of Ireland’s supply capabilities and introducing first time exporters to the region".

Minister Kitt added that the companies on the Trade Mission represent a wide cross-section of Irish commercial enterprises. "This diversity reflects Ireland’s capabilities as a trading partner and a source of quality goods and services and testifies to the enthusiasm and commitment of Irish companies developing solid business relationships in the region," commented Minister Kitt.

Minister Kitt continued: "Ireland in the 1990’s established itself as Europe’s high growth economy with a growth rate three times the EU average. The Irish economy, as measured by real GDP, grew at an annual average rate of over 9% between 1992 and 1998, compared to the EU average of 2.5%. We expect Ireland’s growth to continue to lead both the European and OECD tables for at least a greater part of this decade. Irish exports to the region remain buoyant with exports to the United Arab Emirates growing by 40% to £113 million and exports to Saudi Arabia increasing by 16% last year and this is the backdrop which encourages our confidence that this particular Mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE will lead to increased trade for the participating companies."

The most important opportunity areas for Irish exporters are Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Engineering Products, Process Control and Instrumentation, Software, Consultancy and Training and Consumer Products.

Minister Kitt will be accompanied by representatives from Enterprise Ireland which is organising the trade mission. During visits to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai an extensive programme of meetings has been organised by Enterprise Ireland for each of the participating Irish companies with potential customers and partners.