A significant restructuring of Chinese trade authorities is currently under way. Minister Creed met with Chinese Customs this morning, the agency which is responsible for customs control, revenue collection and port management.

“Vice-minister Zou Zhiwi offered strong assurances that the restructuring process will lead to enhanced co-operation and simplification of systems into the future,” Creed said. “Ireland’s agri-food exports to China have increased roughly five-fold from around €200m in 2010 to approximately €1bn last year. This achievement is truly remarkable and in many ways is a minor economic miracle.”

While Ireland has access for beef to the Chinese market, the trade mission also discussed with Chinese officials the prospect of adding bone-in beef and chilled beef to the list of permissible products.

“I also discussed the progress of a protocol between Customs China and the Department for the exportation of breeding swine to China, as well as the potential development of an eCertification system which would allow for greater clarity in terms of goods being exported as well as being a robust anti-fraud measure,” Creed said.

The Irish delegation is moving to Shaghai this evening for the trade show SIAL.

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On the second day of the week-long Irish Agri-Food Trade Mission to China, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is meeting with Chinese customs officials.