Minister for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern has led Ireland's first trade mission to Pakistan.
The trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland, is designed to promote Ireland as a source of expertise, products and business partnerships, while also building on the economic success in Pakistan.
According to official figures, trade between Pakistan and Ireland was worth €67.8 million in 2006, while sales by Irish companies in Pakistan more than doubled in the last three years. Exports to Pakistan were up 10 per cent on the prior year, and imports rose by 16 per cent.
"Pakistan's economic development, growing at over 7 per cent per annum and a population of 160 million, with a rapidly growing middle class will create increasing opportunities where Ireland can offer products and services in sectors such as telecommunications, IT, the life sciences, construction, financial services, education and e-learning services," Mr Ahern said.
