Ed Power

The business community is to be asked to co-operate with overseas development projects through the establishment of a private sector forum by Mr Tom Kitt, the Minister for State with responsibility for foreign aid.

Companies are increasingly eager to participate in aid programmes, a trend which the Government hopes to foster by establishing this consultative body, according to Mr Kitt.

He plans to recruit a high profile business leader to chair the forum, which will examine ways in which businesses can contribute to overseas aid projects.

Technology and pharmaceutical firms could offer expertise from which developing nations would benefit, he said.

Helping to improve the IT infrastructure or health services of third world countries would provide a crucial boost as such states seek to wean themselves off first world handouts and establish vibrant economies.

The Republic's profile as a high flyer in the technology sector had in particular caught the interest of developing nations, said Mr Kitt.

"Governments want to learn from us, they want access to our expertise, they want to come into contact with both public and private sector bodies in Ireland," he said.

The forum will be run in close partnership with Enterprise Ireland while non-governmental organisations already working in poor countries will have a consultative role.