Plans to create 300,000 jobs over the next five years were today dismissed as reheated targets already published by state agencies.

Business group IBEC has said that the new CSO trade figures highlight the difficult trading environment in which Irish exporters operated in the first quarter of 2010.

Employers' group IBEC today said that new CSO trade figures highlight the very challenging trading environment in which Irish exporters are operating, but said that 2010 should see a return to export growth.

RETAIL sales have plunged 38% because of the adverse weather conditions which will cost the economy up to €300 million.

IRELAND’s trade surplus jumped by around €800 million to €3.74 billion in September, on the back of exports increasing by 11% on a monthly basis, arresting a two-month slump.

EUROPE was today counting the cost of the failure of the WTO Doha round against a background of growing concern over the global economy.

IBEC has expressed disappointment following reports that WTO talks in Geneva had collapsed this evening.

Trade figures released by the CSO today indicate that Irish goods exported to China and Hong Kong in January 2008 increased to €261m, an increase of 62.7% on exports for the same month of 2007.

The business body, IBEC, has welcomed what it calls the positive response from the Minister for Trade and Enterprise Micheal Martin to its proposed action plan for developing markets in Asia.

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) today expressed their concern regarding the suspension of World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks in Geneva.

IRELAND’S entry into membership of the Asian Development Bank was the topic of a seminar to raise awareness of business opportunities presented by Enterprise Ireland and IBEC.

Employers' group IBEC has warned the limp US dollar is jeopardising the growth of the Irish economy.

THE European food industry has came out largely in support of mid-term reforms, particularly moves to open up the CAP to market forces.