IBEC assistant director, Ms Rosemary Steen and director, Mr Brian Callanan, with the organisation's statement, Trading Up: Trade Policy for the Millennium.

The employers' group IBEC has called on the Government to publish a clear statement on trade policy, amid growing concern that exporters may lose out in the proposed shake up of Government agencies. Under a restructuring programme announced by Enterprise Minister Ms Harney, the Trade Board, Forbairt and part of FAS will be merged into one superagency. IBEC says it is concerned about how state support to exporters will be addressed within the context of the restructuring.

IBEC says exports have been a key force in Ireland's economic expansion during the last 10 years. Exports of goods and services now amount to 92 per cent of GNP.

IBEC, whose Trade Council has published its own policy statement on "trade for the millenium" says it recognises that the Government is seeking to rationalise the delivery mechanisms for state support to industry, and welcomes this.

IBEC director Mr Brian Callanan says a distinctive marketing support element should remain available.

IBEC says it is particularly concerned about Ireland's representation overseas where there are approximately 122 offices of government and state agencies.

In its document IBEC says the policy objective should be to provide the conditions in which Irish industry can be competitive in world markets and expand rapidly. It calls for a statement on trade policy which will ensure a co-ordinated approach by all Departments and state agencies in support of this objective.

IBEC says steps must be taken to ensure that overseas markets are open to Irish exporters and that state support services and other services such as transport are available to exporters at low cost.