Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will this week attend the CIIE (Chinese Import and Export Expo) in Shanghai. This Chinese Government-led Expo, to be opened by President Xi Jinping, is intended to serve as a showcase for China’s commitment to international trade. The Irish delegation will be led by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Speaking in Shanghai, Minister Doyle said: “I am pleased that CIIE will feature a significant presence from Bord Bia and a total of 11 Irish meat and dairy companies. This will provide a unique opportunity to communicate directly with key Chinese trade buyers, media and influencers about the quality, safety and sustainability of Irish food and drinks”.
“China is our third most important export market, with total agri-food exports of almost €1 billion last year. It is our second biggest market for both dairy and pigmeat, and a significant market for seafood exports. I hope that, now that the market has opened, Irish beef will also be successful in this hugely valuable market.”
Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, commented: “CIIE provides a unique platform to meet both political and commercial stakeholders of significance in the Chinese market. Working in partnership with the Department, Bord Bia will leverage this opportunity to further build our industry’s reputation in the market.”
Later in the week, Minister Doyle will move to Qingdao to lead Irish participation in the Seafood Expo, one of the largest seafood fairs in the world. Irish seafood exports to China have grown rapidly to over €28 million last year, and there is potential for further growth. Up to 12 Irish seafood companies will be represented on the Origin Green Ireland stand.
This trade visit follows technical meetings to discuss meat market access held by DAFM officials in Beijing on Friday; and the Trade Mission to Indonesia and Malaysia led by Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
“Market development, including understanding, accessing and growing new markets, is a key theme of our shared Food Wise 2025 strategy” Minster Doyle concluded “and an important response to the challenges posed by Brexit.”