A Trade Mission to China, led by Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will take place between November 2 – 7 2014 visiting a number of China’s largest cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.
According to James O’Donnell of Bord Bia’s Shanghai Office Minister Coveney’s objective will be to focus on building trade links with China and highlighting the significance of the Chinese market for Irish food and drink exports.
Ireland’s food and drink exports have increased fivefold from €80m in 2008 to €400m last year. As incomes in China increase the market for imported food is expected to continue to grow in the region of 17% annually. China is currently the world’s 2nd largest economy and is predicted to overtake the US this year.
O’Donnell outlined that coinciding with the Minister’s visit Bord Bia will organize a range of sector specific programs for client companies which will provide a detailed introduction to the market, updates from experts on key trends in the F&B sectors, and provide the opportunity to meet with the leading players in the industry in China.
He added that sector specific itineraries will be organised for the dairy, meat, consumer food and beverage sectors, while the Seafood Sector program will focus around the largest Seafood Expo in Asia which will be taking place in Qingdao. Additionally, participating companies will have the opportunity to invite key contacts to official events taking place throughout the week.