HC Deb 23 December 1982 vol 34 c673W
Mr. William Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the international marketing expertise of Northern Ireland companies.

Mr. Adam Butler

It is one of the responsibilities of the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland generally to promote the strategic importance of marketing within Northern Ireland industry and to encourage a greater understanding of marketing and a knowledge of all Government services provided in support of trade development in the Province. An essential element within this remit is the promotion of, and support for, the international marketing of Northern Ireland goods and services. Specifically the IDB seeks to achieve this by close contact with companies both on an individual basis and through the medium of seminars, conferences and liaison with professional and trade representative bodies; by the provision of the full range of British Overseas Trade Board services; by the mounting of trade exhibitions and samples displays; by the organisation of exploratory missions; by the provision of business information on international markets; and by support for the conduct of market research.