Less than two months after a delegation of Chinese leaders traveled to Northern Ireland to learn about agricultural trade opportunities, Northern Ireland leaders are making a similar trip to China.
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen will be leading the trade mission.
“There is no doubt that China is an increasingly important export market for Northern Ireland food producers. There are many cultural and historical links between our two countries that are continuing to grow. My visit will help cement these mutually beneficial ties and further propel the overall image of Northern Ireland in what is the most populous country in the world,” McIlveen stated in a press release from the country’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
“I want to maximize this opportunity to convey Northern Ireland’s commitment to the production of high quality, safe and wholesome food from our unique local environment, while exploring new and existing areas for exchanging knowledge, ideas and experience in the field of research and technology.”
China delegation’s earlier visit
When a contingent of Chinese leaders made a trade visit to Northern Ireland in September, a special emphasis was placed on Northern Ireland’s livestock and poultry industry. The China delegates, which included both government officials and three food company executives, visited Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Moy Park, the largest poultry meat producer in the country.
After that visit, McIlveen reported that the Chinese visitors saw a sector that sets the standard internationally from research and development in animal production and food safety through high quality, safe and innovative food products.”
