RIYADH: New Irish Ambassador Tony Cotter says his country’s trade with Saudi Arabia stands at 1.3 billion euros (SR7.8 billion), reflecting strong relationship between the two countries.

Cotter made this observation at a Taste and Discover event he hosted recently at his embassy here. “There are many natural synergies between Saudi Arabia and the island of Ireland, and they are being built upon.” Both Saudis and Irish people warmly welcome visitors, he said, adding that Saudis are very family-oriented people and there are packages in Ireland geared for families,” the envoy said, adding that currently there are 3,000 Saudi students pursuing higher studies in Ireland compared to only 300 five years ago."

He said food is the biggest indigenous industry accounting for 11 percent of exports to 170 countries, and 8 percent of the employment market.

“We see a great future for Irish food exports to the Kingdom. Ireland exports 90 percent of its food production, while the Kingdom imports a large proportion of its requirements," Cotter added.

“It is a very good match,” he noted, saying the Irish embassy is keen to develop and foster this over the coming months and years. “We see a huge potential for outbound travel from the Kingdom to Ireland. Tourism is an important industry within our economic recovery and suitability,” the envoy said.

According to the ambassador, during 2014 there were 7.3 million overseas visitors to Ireland, an increase of almost 9 percent from the previous year.

Cotter said tourism revenue is estimated at 3.7 billion euros (SR7.8 billion) to the country, helping to drive economic renewal and supporting over 200,000 jobs in communities right across the country.

The envoy estimated that 50,000 to 60,000 visitors from the GCC came to Ireland in 2014, representing a 10 percent growth from the previous year. “There is every indication of continuing this success into 2015,” Cotter added.