Firms urged to trade with poor countries

THE Government is to tap private industry in an effort to build trade links and swap skills with the world’s poorest countries.

Minister for Overseas Development Aid Tom Kitt announced he would set up a private sector forum to encourage investors here to help nurture enterprise in developing nations.

He said also he wanted to increase the numbers of students coming to study here from Africa and other underdeveloped parts of the world, and intended to find a better mechanism for Irish people to volunteer their time and expertise to countries in need.