THE FIRST JOINT trade mission between the governments of Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Britain is scheduled to take place next month.

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton, along with Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster from the Northern Ireland Executive and British Minister for Transport  Stephen Hammond, will travel to the Singapore Airshow with the aim of improving the relationship between the aviation sector on these islands and abroad.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said it follows extensive discussion between government here, the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster on how the three can work together on trade.

“Obviously there are some areas where we are competing,” he said, but noted that aviation is one where it could result in a benefits for all involved if the three governments worked together.

A meeting between Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prime Minister David Cameron last summer looked at how to improve the economic relationship between the UK and Ireland.

Travelling with Minister Bruton will be representatives from a number of companies, mainly from the aviation sector, with the aim of putting them in touch with their counterparts from other countries.

The trip is his 19th since taking office, and his 6th to Asia and the Middle East.

After this, the Minister will travel on to Malaysia for a separate trade mission.

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