Ireland's agriculture seizes opportunities at CIIE

World
Europe

02:32

Ireland will be bringing 25 Irish companies to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next month. Irish Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said the CIIE offers an ideal opportunity for Irish food exports given the current world trade climate.

Due to its small size, Ireland relies heavily on international trade and in this current climate, where there is talk of resistance to trade at an international level, Creed said the country is worried.

"As a small and open economy, trading internationally in agri-food in 180 different countries, we realize that international trade is really important to us," Creed said.

As China is an advocate of trade opportunities internationally, countries like Ireland will benefit from the partnerships and ties formed at CIIE.

VCG Photo

Creed expressed gratitude to the opening markets. “We appreciate the opportunity that's extended to us by China International Import Expo to further showcase our goods and products. And Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, and a large number of Irish companies are delighted to avail the opportunity at the expo to further build friendship and relationships and business that we can do together,” he added.

Meanwhile, Creed pointed out that China is becoming a leader on the international stage and is a beacon of trade opportunity. It is really important for Ireland to participate in the event.

"We need grasp every opportunity like that and support the people who support the same values and principles that we do about a rule-based approach to international trade and very much welcome China support and approach that regard," Creed said.