Irish international trade efforts continue for agri-food export this week with a presence at a major trade expo in China.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle will start the week by attending the CIIE (Chinese Import and Export Expo) in Shanghai.
The Irish delegation will be led by Heather Humphreys, 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, also commented ahead of the expo.
She said: “CIIE provides a unique platform to meet both political and commercial stakeholders of significance in the Chinese market.
‘Further build our reputation’
“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.
Concluding, Minister Doyle said: “Market development, including understanding, accessing and growing new markets, is a key theme of our shared Food Wise 2025 strategy – and an important response to the challenges posed by Brexit.”