Minister for Trade on first foreign trip

The new Minister for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness embarks on his first overseas' trade mission to the United Arab Emirates today.

More than 100 Irish companies are now exporting to the Gulf region, while 25 Enterprise Ireland firms now have offices in the area.

Irish exports to the area are increasing rapidly, and were worth over €200m last year.

Minister McGuinness says he wants to further strengthen economic ties.