The Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Mr Michael Ahern has begun an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The mission, which will feature representatives of 18 Irish-owned companies, will focus on "enhancing Ireland's image as a top-class supplier of goods and services in the region", Mr Ahern said.
Irish merchandise exports to the region amounted to only €155 million a decade ago, but rose to €785 million last year. Imports from the region amounted to €59 million in 2002.
During the mission, Mr Ahern will officially open Enterprise Ireland's regional office in Dubai. This newly-established office supplements Enterprise Ireland's existing office in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh.
"The establishment of this office along with the additional resources it provides for Irish companies in the Gulf region is a concrete demonstration of our faith in the potential for enhanced economic cooperation," Mr Ahern said.
"As the economies in the region develop and expand, we plan to ensure that Irish companies are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities available".