Taoiseach to lead Gulf trade mission
The Taoiseach will lead 120 Irish firms on a major trade mission to the oil-rich Gulf region in January.
Enterprise Ireland’s five-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates aims to target new markets in telecoms as well as financial and education services.
Irish exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been growing in recent years and jumped by nearly 50% during the first half of 2006.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Irish Government sees the development of economic relations between Ireland and Saudi Arabia and UAE as very important.
“There is scope for deepening economic links in the region and for enhanced co-operation in the fields of science and technology, tourism and education,” he added.
The mission is part of the Government’s Asia Strategy initiative which has seen similar trips to India last January and to China in January 2005.
Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Michael Martin, who will join the mission, said it presented excellent opportunities for Irish companies.
“The Gulf states are showing strong economic growth, increased public expenditure and rising import demand. Therefore the region offers Irish companies the potential to increase direct exports and to benefit from the creation of mutually beneficial strategic alliances and partnerships.
“Telecommunications, financial services and education services are among the sectors offering the most significant opportunities for the 120 Irish companies participating in this important trade mission.”
The trip, which will include Government ministers and officials, features visits to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
In Riyadh, Mr Ahern will meet Saudi leader King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Salmon bin Abdul Aziz.
In Abu Dhabi, the Taoiseach will pay courtesy calls on UAE PresidentSheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan and his Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktou.
The delegation will also visit the King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh and meet members of the Irish community.
Enterprise Ireland said that the Gulf region’s strong economic performance is driven by oil revenues, booming tourism, property development and net immigration.
An increasing number of Irish companies have opened offices in Dubai and are using the city as a hub to develop regional business.
Direct air links have improved access over the past six months with new Aer Lingus services.
