To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 15909/22-27, to detail any progress that has been made towards growing external sales intensity to 60 per cent by 2030.

In 2022 the North’s external sales intensity had grown to 51%, from the 2019 baseline of 45%. It is important to note there are many factors that are outside of the Department or indeed the Executive’s control which affects this measure, including exchange rates and global trade or demand patterns. Therefore, this is not a formal performance target, but a signal of ambition and a measure to provide insights into whether we are tracking in the right direction with my productivity agenda.

Dual Market Access provides a significant opportunity for further growth in the EU market. I and Invest NI are working at pace to raise awareness of our unique position across Europe with potential buyers, including a series of planned events commencing in Germany this month.