Minister Dooley concludes successful seafood and agri-food trade mission to China
- Published on: 31 October 2025
- Last updated on: 31 October 2025
Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, TD, today concludes a seafood and agri-food trade mission to China. This trade mission is being delivered in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
Today in Beijing the Minister held a series of government-to-government meetings with representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Speaking after the meetings, Minister Dooley, commented:
“I am pleased to have met with representatives today from both Chinese Ministries to discuss how we can strengthen the agri-food trading relationship between our two countries.
Also today, the Minister addressed a high-level EU Dairy Seminar attended by Chinese industry leaders and government officials, to promote the expansion of Irish dairy products into the Chinese market. Key Chinese buyers of Irish dairy produce were also in attendance at the seminar.
Yesterday Minister Dooley attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Qingdao and was delighted to meet with Irish Seafood companies who export to China. Irish seafood exports to China have increased significantly in recent years, with €41m worth of Irish seafood shipped to China last year from Ireland.
Also commenting, Shane Hamill Bord Bia China Manager, said:
“It’s been a very positive and productive week in China, with strong engagement from buyers and partners across the food and drinks sector. The response on the ground has reinforced the significant commercial opportunities that exist for Irish seafood, dairy and meat exporters. With a strengthened team now in place led by a new Bord Bia China manager, we are well positioned to build on this momentum and deepen Ireland’s presence in this influential market.”
“In discussion with Vice-Minister ZHAO (GACC) we discussed many issues relating to market access. I particularly welcome the progress we made on enhanced access for Pork, and we have agreed that our officials will now engage to update the protocol to include a greater range of porcine offal.
“My discussions with Vice-Minister ZHILLI (MARA) were very engaging on global food security, sustainable food systems and the ongoing co-operation between our two countries. Ireland is a key trading partner with China, and I took the opportunity to highlight Ireland’s global reputation as a supplier of high quality, sustainably produced agri-food and seafood. Ireland’s rigorous food safety control systems ensure we can give assurances on the safety and sustainability of our agri-food products to our global consumers.
“China is an important market for Irish agri-food and seafood exporters and is our largest trading partner in Asia. There is a strong demand for high quality and sustainable food produce in China, and I am confident that Irish companies will continue to grow in China to meet this demand.
“I look forward to continuing to work with my officials at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to secure more opportunities for Irish agri-food companies to expand their operations in China. What is clear from this trade mission, is that the Irish agri-food sector is in an excellent position to increase its presence in China.”
The trade mission concludes today with a Flavours of Ireland reception at the Irish Embassy in Beijing, which will showcase Irish agri-food produce.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
European Dairy – Where Nature Meets Science’ Campaign: The ‘European Dairy – Where Nature Meets Science’ campaign, which was launched at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing in August 2025. The campaign aims to position the EU as a leader in the supply of value-add dairy ingredients to specialised nutrition manufacturing sector across China, Singapore and Vietnam. Bord Bia Awarded €3.2 Million for ‘European Dairy – Where Nature Meets Science’ Campaign.