Is the Minister of State aware that the Government of Taiwan have announced recently a radical reduction in their import tariffs and that that market now represents a great opportunity for European exporters? Further, there was a trade mission in Europe from that country with a spending budget in excess of $1 billion in the last couple of months but they did not come to this country because we are not showing sufficient interest in that very attractive and potentially big market. Perhaps the Minister of State will consider changing or upgrading our representation in that country from a trade representative to a trade office.

CTT estimate that exports to Japan grew by approximately 5 per cent in 1987. Starting from a much lower base, exports to Taiwan increased by 130 per cent and we have recently given permission for a trade presence to be established in Dublin.

Does the Minister consider that an upgraded office in Taiwan would be much more advantageous from our point of view?

I am aware of the opportunities in the region. This is a step forward and we will see if we can improve on it as time does on.