Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to lead a trade mission to Japan later this year in his first major overseas trip as leader.
“Planning for the trade mission is still at an early stage, but it is timetabled to take place before the end of the year,” said a spokeswoman for Enterprise Ireland, which is organising the trade mission.
Enterprise Ireland said the trip is aimed at capitalising on the growing export potential that Japan’s economy offers for Irish firms. The Taoiseach is likely to hold talks with members of the Japanese government during the trip.
Further trade missions to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are also being planned for after the summer.
Mr Cowen had been due to represent Ireland at an EU-Latin America/Caribbean summit in South America last month, but it was just days after he became Taoiseach and announced his new Cabinet.
The European Council summit in Brussels last week was his first official EU engagement as Taoiseach.
PA