THE IBEC-CBI joint business council is optimistic that despite current difficulties, trade between the North and the Republic can double over the next five years.

Council chief executive, Mr John McKenna, said yesterday that such an increase could still be achieved. Mr McKenna said cross Border trade had been increasing strongly, with official figures showing a 14 per cent rise last year to £1.4 billion.

Sales to the Republic from the North increased 20 per cent in 1995 while exports to the North rose 10 per cent. Most of this increase, Mr McKenna said, was accounted for by food, chemicals and related products. The joint council plans to expand its business development programme into new sectors, such as services, he said.