Cowen starts trade mission to Japan
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is in Japan today for a week long trade mission. Mr Cowen will also meet the Japanese Prime Minister and pay a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito.
The visit is at the invitation of the Japanese government and the Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Junior Minister for Trade, John McGuinness and Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.
As well as strengthening business links between the two countries, this mission will also seek the reopening of the Japanese market for Irish pork, which has been closed since the dioxin scare to Irish products.
The trade mission is the largest yet with businesses on both sides of the border represented. But officials do not expect any dramatic announcements or orders this week. Instead the message will be one of reassurance that Ireland values the Japanese market and is committed to it for the long term.
Mr Cowen will also meet Prime Minister Ahso for talks. In a country where protocol is all important, an invitation to pay a courtesy call on Emperor Akihito is seen as a significant honour.