ROCKPORT – Baldacci spaghetti sauce and Guinness stout?

The success of Gov. John Baldacci’s planned trade mission to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland this fall will not be measured by whether those two are linked.

Instead, organizers of the trip say they hope to capitalize on the burgeoning economies of the two regions and develop stronger export ties with the larger European market.

Richard Coyle, president of the Maine International Trade Center, announced some details of the governor’s trade mission Thursday at Maine International Trade Day, a conference at the Samoset Resort. The trip is scheduled for Oct. 17-25.

Baldacci and the trade center jointly decided to make the trip to the Republic of Ireland, which is independent, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

Maine businesses sold $15 million in goods to Ireland in 2002, compared with the $6.8 million exported to Ireland in 2001. Ireland is Maine’s 18th-largest export partner.

The United Kingdom, which includes Britain, is Maine’s sixth-largest trading partner. Maine businesses sold nearly $70 million in goods to the UK in 2002, up 81 percent from 2001.

Focusing on the Emerald Isle makes sense for Maine, Coyle said, for several reasons.

Though the two countries are feeling the effects of a global slowdown, the Irish economies have flourished in recent years, he said. In addition, connections in the two English-speaking countries enable Maine businesses to make forays into the European Union.

Biotechnology, information technology and marine resources are three areas Coyle sees Maine offering Irish markets.

Recent gubernatorial trade missions have been to Mexico (2001), Germany and the Netherlands (2000), Taiwan and Hong Kong (1999), Nova Scotia (1999), Brazil and Argentina (1997) and the United Kingdom (1996).

The trade center, funded by a public-private partnership, was created by the Legislature in 1996. In addition to assisting Maine companies as they develop export markets, the center analyzes data from the state’s international trading partners.

The trade center recognized four businesses Thursday:

Exporter of the Year: William Atwood Lobster Co., Spruce Head. Exports have more than doubled in the past three years, with international sales accounting for 15 percent of total sales. The largest overseas buyers are Spain, Italy and France.

Innovator of the Year: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor. The lab, the world’s largest mammalian genetics research facility, ships 2 million genetically defined mice each year to 12,000 laboratories in 63 countries through its nonprofit division, JAX Research Systems.

Foreign Direct Investment Award: Domtar Industries Inc., Baileyville. The paper manufacturer is recognized for its management practices and commitment to improved operations at its Baileyville mill, where operating costs have been reduced by $12 million. The company added new paper grades and found a stronger customer base.

Service Provider of the Year: Cloutier Direct Inc., Scarborough. The company has established an international presence for its direct-mail services in Canada and Europe.