The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is off to South America in July. Over six days, he will visit Brazil and Argentina; have discussions with the two presidents, Fernando Cardoso and Fernando de la Rue; hold other high-level meetings; and generally fly the flag and raise our profile.
The two countries are the largest in South America and present immense opportunities for trade. At present, the Kerry Group, Cement Roadstone and Smurfit operate in the area and the Taoiseach's visit is seen as the beginning of a repetition of our Asia strategy which opened up huge markets there. We have an embassy in Buenos Aires but not, as yet, in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilians are keen that we are represented, as they have an ambassador, Armando Sergio Frazao, in Dublin - and now that we are on the UN Security Council, it is considered essential that we have a diplomatic presence in all important countries. In addition, there are strong Irish communities in both countries going back many generations. Bertie returns on July 26th, just in time for the Galway Races.