AQW 26671/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 07/05/2025
Answered On Date: 16/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline the work her Department is undertaking to increase export intensity.

Answer:

There is a strong, positive relationship between exporting, innovation and productivity – and I am working with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and others to ensure we harness our unique dual market access arrangements to grow the export base wider and deeper. We are making good progress in that regard: in the year ending December 2024, the North increased the value of its exports while Scotland, England and Wales experienced decreases. Invest NI is the main provider of export support in the North. Since the start of this year, it has delivered 12 international trade missions and exhibitions, collectively supporting 87 businesses across multiple sectors such as Food and Drink, Materials Handling, Aerospace, and Cleantech to accelerate export success in Europe, the Americas, and IMEA. Invest NI also provides tailored trade support to help local businesses to develop their footprint overseas and to increase export intensity. Support programmes such as Grow Beyond and Going Dutch have been tailored to the needs of early-stage exporters and SME’s. The current uncertainty around tariffs is unwelcome and creates additional complexity for businesses trading internationally. I am engaging with business representatives to understand the issues at play and shape my asks of the British and Irish Governments as the situation evolves.