5.4 A Changed Global Environment

5.3 Trade Policy

5.4 A Changed Global Environment

While trade is vitally important for Ireland’s economy, issues relating to trade can also prove to be politically sensitive. In today’s global economy, trade negotiations can be challenging and typically involve reaching agreement on the extent to which countries will agree the scale and scope of access to each other’s markets. It is important for Ireland that there is an expansion of trade opportunities while at the same time being alert to areas where there are particular sensitivities. This involves assessing which industries will gain or lose from a given deal, and what the overall outcome will be, given the subsequent effect for various sectors of our economy.

The Department must play a leading part in responding to the global challenges currently faced by Ireland - we must ensure that we are best placed to actively and visibly engage with the international community, so that we can effectively promote and protect our strategic national interests.

The Department’s Statement of Strategy clearly reflects the fundamental importance of growing our links in the EU and globally. We cannot predict the future, but we can put policies in place to prepare for the unknown and to position Ireland for growth over the longer term. The Department, has accordingly, expanded its overseas presence by appointing four senior officials to the Irish Embassies in Washington, Berlin, Beijing and London. The appointment of these senior officials will enable the Department to:

In Brussels, the main committee at which Ireland can discuss such trade issues is the Trade Policy Committee (TPC). The committee advises and assists the EU Commission in negotiating agreements with third countries or in international organisations in the area of the common commercial policy. It also acts as one of the preparatory bodies in the decision-making process of the Council as regards EU trade policy.

• Strengthen existing relationships and forge new partnerships with countries of strategic importance to Ireland’s trade and investment performance.

• Intensify public diplomacy to promote Ireland’s enterprise offering and protect its reputation.

The TPC deals with trade policy matters within three main areas:

• Develop political and high-level links in high growth and emerging markets, aligned with relevant strategies, to secure enhanced market access and create opportunities for our Irish owned enterprises.

• issues related to the World Trade Organization (WTO);

• bilateral trade relations;

• new EU legislation within the trade policy area, as appropriate.

• Deliver on our strategic communications strategy to substantially raise Ireland’s visibility throughout the world, tailored to different audiences while ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging.

The EU has recently concluded trade deals with Canada, Japan, Singapore and Mexico, each of which was discussed at meetings of the Trade Policy Committee. On 1 August 2020, an EU-Vietnam trade agreement entered into force. The agreement is the most comprehensive trade agreement the EU has concluded with a developing country. On 30 December 2020, the negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) between the EU and China were concluded in principle. By actively participating in this Committee, the Department’s representatives were able to promote Ireland’s interests while seeking to protect areas of particular sensitivity.

• Strengthen and diversify Ireland’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment and monitor Ireland’s competitiveness in relation to our peer countries.