Creed Commits to Irish Government Presence at China International Import Expo 2018

17 May 2018


The Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed TD, today (Thursday) oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding, committing to an Irish presence at the China International Import Expo taking place this November in Shanghai.

Commenting after this morning’s event in Shanghai, Minister Creed said; “it is a great honour for Ireland to be invited by the Chinese authorities to participate in this November’s event in Shanghai. This initiative which is being personally driven by the President of China, Xi Jinping, will have an expected attendance of 185,000 Chinese buyers.  An event such as this, which is being promoted by the Chinese Government, offers the ideal opportunity for Irish food exporters to do business and enhance relationships.”

Bord Bia have committed to taking a stand in the Exhibition Food Hall, and Enterprise Ireland are also expected to have a presence at the event. Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy signed the memorandum of understanding this morning on behalf of the Irish delegation.

On his final day in Shanghai Minister Creed held high level meetings with a number of significant dairy companies including Wyeth, Newbaze and Beingmate. The Trade Mission now moves to Hangzhou, where the Minister will participate in a number of events hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.

The Minister concluded; “it is imperative that we continue raising the profile of Ireland as a source of quality food and beverages, and expand the range of exports into China.  We have a particular opportunity this week to present the Irish beef sector following the recent success in obtaining access to the Chinese market.  We are also keen to build on existing trade links in other areas including dairy, pig meat and seafood. We want to highlight the credentials of Ireland’s food and drink sector from a food safety, sustainability and authenticity perspective, in order to develop a unique selling point for Irish product”

Added 17.05.18

The Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed TD, today (Thursday) oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding, committing to an Irish presence at the China International Import Expo taking place this November in Shanghai. He is pictured here with representatives of China International Import Expo and is accompanied by DAFM, Embassy and Bord Bia representatives on the trade mission delegation.

ENDS

Original Press Release, click here.