SOME 100 companies from the Republic and Northern Ireland are expected to win new business worth about £7 million at the biggest ever overseas trade show of Irish giftware and clothing.

The show which is being held in Secaucus, New Jersey, was opened yesterday by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Mr Kenny. It is expected to attract 650 US buyers.

It is the fourth "The Look is Ireland" giftware trade show in the US and is expected to bring total giftware sales by Irish companies in the US to over £20 million.

It is organised jointly by An Bord Trachtala and LEDU, the small business agency for Northern Ireland, with support from the International Fund for Ireland.