Mr. Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for Trade, is heading a 5-day trade mission by some twenty Irish companies to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates commencing on Tuesday March 9th.

Tom Kitt, commenting on the intensive trade promotion visit, said: "This Mission will focus on increasing awareness among Saudi Arabian and UAE buyers in key sectors of Ireland's supply capabilities as well as introducing first-time exporters to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East markets. Part of my mission will involve raising the profile of Ireland as a major exporter of goods and services of the highest calibre" he added.

Irish exports to Saudi Arabia increased by an estimated 23% last year to IR£225 million. As regards the United Arab Emirates, Irish exports also grew with estimates of some IR£80 million worth of business having been done. "There are excellent opportunities for continued growth in these markets" commented the Minister.

During the Mission, Minister Kitt will hold meetings with his counterparts in the Ministries of Industry & Electricity, Commerce and Health & Education.

The multi-sectoral Mission is organised by Enterprise Ireland who's office in Riyadh last year worked with 152 Irish companies who are doing business in Saudi Arabia and UAE, including 37 first time exporters to the region. The most important opportunity sectors for Irish exporters are pharmaceuticals and healthcare, aviation, engineering products, process control and instrumentation, software, consultancy and training and consumer products.

There will be an extensive business-to-business programme for the 20 Irish companies travelling on the Mission. "This week-long trade mission to Saudi Arabia and UAE demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to advancing the interests of Irish Exporters in this part of the world" concluded the Minister.