24 January 2000

COMPANIES URGED TO DRIVE EXPORTS TO EUROPE FORWARD

"Europe's strengthening economic recovery presents substantial opportunities to Northern Ireland's export focused companies to win lucrative new business which will assist profitable long term growth," Sir Reg Empey, MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said today.

Sir Reg praised the commitment to exporting of 20 local companies taking part on a Trade International mission to France and Spain from 23 January to 2 February. The mission will be based at the key business centres of Marseille, Barcelona and Madrid.

Said Sir Reg: "We have a strong base for sustained growth in both countries, which are now in the top ten export markets for local companies. In 1997/98, France purchased manufactured goods worth £162 million and Spain £112 million.

"I am confident that there is scope for significant growth in both markets, as indeed there is for our companies throughout the European Union. It will be a key objective for me to encourage and assist many more local companies to take advantage of the tremendous business opportunities now developing in Europe.

"While many of the companies on the mission to France and Spain are already successful exporters, I am encouraged by the number of newcomers taking the opportunity provided by Trade International to research these important markets and to build contacts cost-effectively which could produce worthwhile business.

"I know from personal experience that a trade mission is a great way to explore an overseas market. Companies new to exporting can gain valuable experience and, perhaps above all, confidence from participating in missions. Experienced exporters can help them assess opportunities and take the steps required to turn contacts into successful and, above all, profitable business," added Sir Reg.

Individual programmes of meetings with companies in Marseille, Barcelona and Madrid have been arranged for each participating company. They will also meet local business leaders at receptions hosted by the British Consulates in Marseille and Barcelona and by the Embassy in Madrid.

Taking part are established exporters such as Andor Technology, Belfast, Getty Connections, Carrickfergus, Ulster Carpet Mills and Moy Park, both Portadown and Randox Laboratories, Crumlin. Companies new to these markets include Ballyduff Seafoods, Londonderry, Classic Marble Showers Ltd, Ballygawley and Mechanical Installation and Maintenance, Londonderry.

 

NORTHERN IRELAND COMPANIES TAKING PART IN THE TRADE INTERNATIONAL TRADE MISSION TO FRANCE AND SPAIN FROM 23 JANUARY TO 2 FEBRUARY 2000

Andor Technology Ltd	Belfast	Scientific instruments for light measurement
Ballyclare Special Products Ltd	Ballyclare	Fire, police and military protective clothing
Ballyduff Seafoods Ltd	Londonderry	Mussels and native oysters
CM Machinery Ltd	Craigavon	Bespoke machinery
Classic Marble Showers Ltd	Ballygawley	Shower trays
Ewart Liddell	Donaghacloney	Fine Irish Linen
Favour Pet Foods Ltd	Randalstown	Dog and cat food
FM Systems Ltd	Newry	Environmental engineering
Getty Connections Ltd	Carrickfergus	Telephone and computer Cabling assemblies
Mackle Pet Foods	Moy	Pet food
Mechanical Installation and Maintenance Ltd	Londonderry	Metal fabrications and mainternance
Moy Park Ltd	Craigavon	Poultry products
MSO Ltd	Belfast	Packaging
Randox Laboratories Ltd	Crumlin	Diagnostic kits and Chemical reagents
Spence Bryson Ltd	Craigavon	Linens
SMTEK Ltd	Craigavon	Printed circuit boards
Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd	Craigavon	Axminster carpets
Unibol Ltd	Belfast	Software
UPU Industries Ltd	Dromore	Agricultural packaging
Wilson Double Deck Trailers Ltd	Craigavon	Double deck trailers