Exports for January and February 2002 may be 8 per cent up on the same period last year, at €25 billion, the Irish Exporters Association has predicted. The association predicted the expected growth based on the continued low value of the euro and despite a slow down in exports to the US.

The low value of the euro has increased the competitivesness of exports to the UK and other non-eurozone areas. "However the continued export decline to eurozone markets such as France, Italy, Sweden, Austria and Portugal are causes for major concern," according to Mr John Whelan, chief executive of the association.

Mr Whelan said there was potential to increase trade with France threefold, bringing it up to UK levels. However a vastly improved logistical and marketing effort would be required.

The association was concentrating on reversing the 11 per cent drop in exports to France which occurred in 2001, he said. A key factor would be increasing direct shipping between France and the Republic. A conference, Trade Expansion Logistics: Ireland/France, is being organised by the association.