A Decade of the Asia Strategy, 1999-2009

Foreword by Micheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999 to 2009 we note with satisfaction what has been achieved in the last five years and set challenging objectives to be realised in the next.

The Taoiseach directed political focus on Asia some five years ago. All members of the Government share his enthusiasm and commitment for greater interaction between Irish people and those of Asian countries. That is in our mutual interest.

Regular communications and increasing familiarity with Asian peoples are still of relatively recent origin. Yet, linkages have been established across a wide spectrum in recent years. The political, business, educational, media, cultural, social and other relationships that now exist will deepen and widen in the future.

In addition, the presence in Ireland of growing numbers of Asian students, workers and tourists is welcome and also a relatively recent development. It is advancing the process of mutual understanding,while simultaneously conferring economic benefits and responding to manpower needs.We recognise the importance of this contribution and will facilitate its development in a way that respects and values those coming here.

This twenty first century is often referred to as the century of Asia. There are many more decades ahead before it runs its course. The Irish people and Government want to realise the opportunities that each will bring for national and global advancement in all spheres of activity.

The development of trade is the primary objective of the Asia Strategy. Business with priority Asian countries grew significantly during its first phase. Trade statistics last year,when compared with those in 2003, show heartening trends. Our exports to China increased by 19%, to Singapore by 17%, to Korea by 15%, to Thailand by 14%, to Japan by 12%, to India by 11% - and so it goes on.

This growth reflects the hard work of confident and adventurous Irish business people. It reflects the dedication and commitment of motivated State representatives working cooperatively in Asian countries in a national endeavour to further develop trade and business there. That endeavour also engages the support of the President and of the Government of Ireland in concerted efforts to progressively capitalise on trade development opportunities that currently exist, and that are in prospect in the decades ahead.

We could be overwhelmed with considerations of scale and distance. We are not. We are already succeeding and our increasing trade statistics are plotting that success. I know that the publication of A Decade of the Asia Strategy, and the objectives, targets and review mechanism that it comprehends, will add even greater impetus and coherence to this important and strategic endeavour.

In this century Asia will be the economic fulcrum of the world. Its cities,many with populations that are multiples of our own, now provide dozens of markets of millions. With these demographics,marketing and trade developmentopportunities to sustain and enhance our export-led economic growth are beyond bounds.

We will now renew our commitment and efforts. Cooperatively we will continue to realise our trade development and related objectives. When the strategy for another decade comes to be written in 2009,we will have met and, hopefully, surpassed targets now set out. Of that, I have no doubt. in our overseas commercial relations, both positive developments and any difficulties which arise.