Ahern to lead trade mission to Persian Gulf

An Enterprise Ireland trade mission took off for Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia today, aiming to enhance Ireland's image as a top-class supplier of goods and services in the region.

Eighteen Irish-owned companies will participate in the mission, drawn principally from the software, automation and process control and internationally traded services sectors.

Irish merchandise exports to the region rose to €785m in 2002 from €155 million a decade ago.

Imports from the region amounted to €59m last year.

The delegation will be led by Michael Ahern, Minister of State for Trade and Commerce who will perform the official opening of Enterprise Ireland’s regional office in Dubai.

This newly-established office supplements Enterprise Ireland’s existing office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking today, Ahern said: "Irish trade with the Gulf region has expanded rapidly in recent years but I believe that there is potential for considerable further growth."

"As the economies in the region develop and expand, we plan to ensure that Irish companies are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities available," he added.

Ahern is also expected to raise the issue of beef exports, which are not permitted in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain recently lifted its ban on Irish beef.