Irish exporters urged to target emerging economies

Irish companies are being urged to look East for potential export markets.

The Irish Exporters Association is holding a conference today ahead of a major trade visit to Malaysia and South East Asia next month.

The Association's chief executive John Whelan says Irish companies have neglected potentially lucrative markets in Asia in favour of weakening European economies.

He says it is now time for exporters to target emerging economies.

"We're thin on the ground in terms of exporters from Ireland and we need to stretch out to these markets," he said.

"We do need to, shall we say, assist exporters to look at the markets, test them out, decide which ones are the best for them and to help them establish a foothold in these markets."