Martin welcomes latest trade figures

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Michéal Martin has expressed satisfaction with the latest trade statistics released today by the CSO.

He pointed to the period January-March 2007, when exports rose by 6% when compared to the same period last year.

While acknowledging a decrease of 2% in exports in April 2007 compared with March 2007, the Minister said he was pleased with the overall trade surplus of almost €3bn in April.

Martin said he was particularly pleased to note the strong export performance to a number of our markets in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period last year. Exports to China and Hong Kong were up by 37% and to the Philippines by 88%.

"This strong performance in this region reflects our ongoing efforts to promote and grow our markets through our Asia strategy," he said.

Exports to our traditional trading partner, UK rose by 7%, while exports to Switzerland were up by 77%.