Minister Billy Kelleher officiates at major Chinese business event in Dublin

‘Irish Companies should seize export opportunities to China’ - Kelleher

The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher TD, today (Thursday 3rd December, 2009) addressed the Ireland-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Forum in Dublin. This significant event, organised by the Irish Chinese Association and the China Chamber of Commerce, involved almost 200 executives and officials from over 100 Chinese companies, who are on a purchasing mission to Ireland, led by Minister QUI Hong. It is the largest such delegation to visit Ireland from China and reflects on the commitment of Chinese companies to source goods and services from Irish producers.

The delegation includes major Chinese companies such as Sichuan Changhong Group, Bank of China and China Eximbank, and also many small and medium-sized enterprises. The business sectors represented cover such industries as aviation, IT, financial services, energy, education and general trade. The purpose of the mission is to create new business opportunities for companies in China and Ireland.

Minister Kelleher welcomed the strong trade and other economic links between our two countries and expressed satisfaction with the progress which had been made in recent years. He emphasised the Government’s commitment to using exports to help lead our economic recovery and encouraged Irish companies to seize the opportunity to export to such a vibrant and exciting market, which China represents.

Enterprise Ireland organised over 100 of their client companies, who are keen to sell to China to be present at the Forum and to meet with their Chinese counterparts to encourage the development of partnerships and stronger trading links. Several contract signings took place and some Chinese companies made site visits to Irish counterparts with whom they hope to do business.

In addition Minister Kelleher held a formal meeting with Minister Qiu to discuss a range of issues to enhance Irish-Chinese trade, particularly in the Food, Educational Services and Software sectors. Prospects for Chinese investment in Ireland were also discussed, as Chinese investment in Europe is likely to be significant in the coming years.

The Minister noted the outstanding development of trade between the two countries with Irish exports having risen dramatically, including an impressive level of annual Services exports, now reaching over €2bn.

ENDS/TC409

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