THE Taoiseach returns today from the weekend EU ASEAN summit, where Ireland promised to advance human rights, protect children and combat drug trafficking.
The gathering of leaders of 10 Asian countries and the 15 EU heads of government in Bangkok,
Thailand, was primarily aimed at increasing trade between the two regions.
Trade between Ireland and Asia has increased dramatically in recent years. The Minister of State for European Affairs Mr Gay Mitchell, who was part of the summit delegation, said yesterday that many Asian countries were crying out for investment from Europe.
"It is a hugely lucrative part of the world and opportunities for Irish companies, particularly those in the fields of education, consultancy and aviation, are vast." It was the most dynamic trading region in the world, he added.
In 1992 Ireland's exports to the 10 countries at the summit were valued at £830 million, which was equivalent to 6 per cent of total exports. Two years later they had increased by 40 per cent to £1.14 billion.
Mr Mitchell gave the pledge on human rights at a side conference between representatives of non governmental organisations and the ministers and officials at the summit.
The conference acknowledged the role played by Ireland on issues such as nuclear non proliferation, the banning of trade in anti personnel landmines and its consistent support for selfdetermination of the East Timorese people.
The delegation of non governmental organisations which met Mr Mitchell expressed concern about delay in negotiating an all inclusive settlement of the Northern Ireland conflict.