AN “EXPORT supremo” should be appointed to boost the State’s exports sector, and existing visa regulations should be reviewed to avoid “unnecessary red tape” that could discourage business, according to a report published by the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee.
The report, which examines the state of the export market, says the Government should resist the “short-term temptation” to reduce overseas diplomatic missions as part of cost-cutting measures. It argues that Irish embassies and consulates provide an irreplaceable “front of shop” function in terms of trade and investment.
Launching the report yesterday, foreign affairs committee chairman and Fianna Fáil TD Michael Woods said that there are many markets where “we have not reached or even explored our potential”.
In 2008, the total value of Irish exports was € 155,490 million, of which approximately 55 per cent was related to merchandise and 45 per cent services. Mr Woods noted that indigenous firms export only 34 per cent of their goods and services. “This rate must be increased if we are to strengthen the economy, secure existing employment and create new jobs,” he said. “This is why an export supremo would be invaluable. This individual would co-ordinate industry and State sector and support innovative start up companies [with] export potential.”
Mr Woods said closing embassies or consulates would be “short-sighted and counterproductive”.
The report also recommends a common business and tourist visa for the UK and Ireland be considered. “We must remove such [visa] restrictions and create an atmosphere where home-grown businesses are encouraged and facilitated in their efforts to grow exports,” Mr Woods said.