Eastern Europe is one of the fastest growing regions for Irish exporters.

According to figures from the Irish Trade Board, Irish exports to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have increased five fold since 1992 from £42 million to £210 million in 1996.

Mr Gerry Murphy, the board's European director, said the three countries represented a significant business opportunity for Irish exports. Next week, a group of 10 companies from the Shannon region is taking part in a trade mission to the area.