12/01/2009

Taoiseach On Japanese Trade Mission

The Taoiseach has set his sights on Japan for a week-long trade mission.

Brian Cowen will meet the Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso along with Emperor Akihito during the visit, where he is expected to negotiate new trade opportunities, and try to end the current international scepticism against Irish beef.

Irish beef is still finding it difficult to trade in the world market since undergoing a contamination scare late last year.

Although some countries are again accepting the beef, it is still not being bought be some major traders in Japan and Italy.

The Taoiseach is accompanied by Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith and junior Minister for Trade John McGuinness.

During the six-day visit, Mr Cowen and representatives of 70 Irish companies and organisations will visit Tokyo and Osaka.

The trade mission is expected to be significant for Ireland's business interests, officials do not expect any dramatic announcements or orders this week.

Mr Cowen will meet Prime Minister Aso for talks, and has accepted an invitation to pay a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito, which is seen as a particular honour.

(DW/BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 August 2017
Taoiseach Undertaking State Visit To Canada
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in Canada for an official three day trip, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. The Taoiseach joined Mr Trudeau on Saturday 19 August for the Montreal Pride Parade.
22 July 2016
Enterprise Ireland Announces Intensified Programme Of Ministerial-Led Trade Missions
Enterprise Ireland has announced an intensified programme of ministerial-led trade missions aimed at supporting Irish exporters, in conjunction with the Departments of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Foreign Affairs and Trade, Enterprise Ireland.
09 February 2011
Ireland's Low Corporation Tax 'To Stay'
The Republic's Taoiseach has moved to assure representatives of US multinationals in Ireland and leading Irish businesspeople that the much-valued 12.5% rate of corporation tax will not change.
21 March 2019
First State Visit To Colombia Since Opening Of New Irish Embassy
The Minister of State for Trade has concluded a four-day visit to Colombia, the first since the Irish Embassy opened in Bogotá last month. The delegation has been "hugely significant" in terms of developing Ireland's bilateral trade links with Colombia, according to Pat Breen TD who led the first ever St.
18 January 2011
Cowen 'Confident' On Leadership Vote
Brian Cowen has said he is confident he will remain leader of Fianna Fail after tonight's vote of confidence by his party. At present, just short of half of Fianna Fáil’s 71 TDs are expected to vote in favour of keeping Mr Cowen as Taoiseach ahead of vote, while 12 TDs have declared their intention to vote against the motion.