Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 December 2025
127. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the approach his Department and State enterprise and tourism agencies have to enhance the trade and investment relationship between Ireland and Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa. [68293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment Departments together with enterprise and tourism agencies work collectively under the “Team Ireland” approach to deepen economic ties with Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The Middle East and North Africa region is strategically important for the world and represents a diverse and rapidly-growing market for Irish business. Enterprise Ireland supports Irish exporters through market intelligence, trade missions, and local offices in the Gulf, focusing on sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewables. IDA Ireland promotes Ireland as an EU gateway for Middle Eastern investors, targeting FDI in ICT, life sciences, and financial services. Tourism Ireland promotes the island of Ireland through its Global Partnerships team, working with tourism industry partners to undertake sales activity in the region and global inbound tour operators, to leverage their support in attracting long-haul visitors to the island of Ireland. Bord Bia markets Irish agri-food products via trade fairs and campaigns, leveraging Ireland’s reputation for quality and sustainability. Our diplomatic missions in the region coordinate diplomatic and commercial outreach, supporting trade missions and cultural engagement.
In delivering upon an action within the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, which was launched in August, I am leading a multi-Minister mission to the United Arab Emirates next week, which will include the first meeting of the recently established Ireland-UAE Joint Economic Commission.
