Ahern leads All-Ireland trade mission to India

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern will lead the first ever All-Ireland trade mission next week.

Eleven Northern Ireland-based companies will take part in the trade mission to India, being led by the Taoiseach, Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue.

The Taoiseach said the mission is made up of a wide range of companies and organisations, both buyers and sellers, reflecting belief in potential for future mutually-beneficial economic ties between Irish and Indian companies.

"I have no doubt this mission will play its part in forging new commercial links and partnerships that will go on to become the building blocks of a new and prosperous trading future or both countries.

"I am particularly proud that it is an all-Ireland mission, reflecting our shared interest in cooperating on economic and social development on the island," Mr Ahern added.

Enterprise Minister Martin said the cross-border nature of the mission was a dividend of the peace process. "When it comes to business, people don't ask what community people are from," Mr Martin said.

The mission is being organised by Enterprise Ireland as part of the Government's Asia strategy for trade and investment in Asia.

Previous trade missions have only involved counties from the Republic but this one incorporates an All-Ireland delegation.