Swift action must be taken to address critical competitiveness issues facing individual export sectors, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has warned.
A report published today by the NCC, which is tasked with advising the Taoiseach on competitiveness issues, identified difficulties in eight export sectors that must be addressed to exploit growth opportunities.
For example, the report called for the enhancement of the clinical trials process, which it said is vital to growing the pharmaceutical and medical technologies sectors.
“In particular we need to consolidate and streamline approval processes for new products and technologies,” the NCC advised.
It also recommended the road infrastructure in the west be upgraded, as this would make it easier for the medical technologies sector to access international markets.
Other recommendations contained in the report, entitled Driving Export Growth: Statement on Sectoral Competitiveness, range from the co-ordination of tourism-related investments across Government departments and agencies, to the development of markets for indigenous green companies through the timely implementation of impending EU legislation.
The report noted that while Ireland's overall export performance has held up relatively well, this is mainly due to strong growth in two sectors - medical and pharmaceuticals products, and chemicals - while traditional manufacturing sectors such as food and computer equipment are facing significant challenges.
“It is clear that despite the challenging conditions which they currently face, there is a bright future for our exporters provided employers, employees, policymakers and other stakeholders respond quickly and effectively to develop a more competitive environment for firms,” said NCC chairman Dr Don Thornhill.