asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any specific trade initiatives for Irish companies in relation to the Far East and Latin-American regions.

CTT have offices in Singapore, Japan and China and trade consultants in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea, all aimed at increasing exports to that region. The trade mission is the most effective device in trying to increase market share in the countries in question. A list of specific trade missions and sectoral missions to the Far East projected by CTT for 1988, will be circulated in the Official Report.

CTT have researched the potential for Irish manufactured exports to Latin America as recently as last year. While some countries show signs of emerging from severe economic difficulties, tight import regimes and high tariffs are being maintained by many. Economic and political instability in the region, together with the long travelling distance involved, imply limited export opportunities in the short term. I have asked CTT to keep the situation under review.

The Deputy will be aware that LatinAmerican countries have huge external debt problems.

Trade and Sectoral Missions to the Far East

* These two trade missions will be ministerially led.

Also under consideration is a consultancy services mission to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in October. While missions will concentrate in the areas listed, many companies will use the opportunity of the mission to visit other neighbouring markets.

Is a trade attaché to be appointed to the Embassy in Buenos Aires to promote Latin America in view of the proposals the Government have been making for turning our embassies into trade-related centres?

I have no direct information on the Buenos Aires situation. As soon as it comes to hand I will let the Deputy have it.

If that were being done the Minister of State would know.

I expect I would know.

So he is not doing it.