An Irish business delegation, including representation from the ailing construction sector, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates on a trade mission.

The 44-strong group is accompanied by Trade and Commerce Minister Billy Kelleher and hopes to increase awareness within the UAE of Ireland's products and services, and recent technology-led economic performance.

The multi-sectoral trade mission includes firms operating within construction, cleantech, ICT solutions, healthcare and education.

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Speaking ahead of the mission, Minister Kelleher said: "This trade mission is important as the United Arab Emirates is the fastest growing market for Irish companies in the Gulf region. Sales by Irish companies in the UAE were €333m last year, an annual increase of 14%."

He continued: "This mission is about building on the trade links and relationships that have been established through previous trade missions and the ongoing work of Enterprise Ireland here in the region."

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Frank Ryan added: "There is substantial potential for an accelerated expansion trade between the two countries and Irish business is strongly positioned to contribute to the UAE’s impressive pace of economic development."

(PR/GK)