Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
580 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail, in view of Mr. Xi Jinping’s recent identification of agriculture as one of three priority areas in scaling two-way trade and investment, the specific elements of the sector which have been pin-pointed for investment; the planned level of investment for the areas over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11103/12]
View answerChina is a key strategic market for Irish exports of food seafood and beverages and presents significant opportunities for other exports. Exports of Irish food and beverages to China are estimated in 2011 at €215m, including exports of hides and skins.
Since taking office as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have sought to foster close relationships with my Ministerial counterparts in China and between officials from our respective administrations to further areas of mutual cooperation and to advance and facilitate market access opportunities in China. In May last year, the Agriculture Vice Minister, Niu Dun visited Ireland and was shown at first hand our agricultural production systems, our high food safety standards and veterinary controls and our state of the art laboratories. This visit culminated in the signing of an Action Plan in relation to mutual cooperation in the agri-food and fisheries areas which is being implemented at present.
When Vice President Xi Jinping visited Ireland between 18 and 20 February, he specifically asked to visit a farm in Ireland and I had wide ranging discussions with him on China's concerns regarding food security. In his discussions with the Taoiseach, he outlined proposals for further development of the relationship between China and Ireland, including practical cooperation and exchanges in various fields such as agriculture. He also specifically highlighted the area of Animal Husbandry as an area in which China had a particular interest in learning from Ireland. Ireland is viewed as a country with very high food safety standards and veterinary controls, as a leading expert in areas of traceability, public health controls, genetic improvements, grass land management, feeding systems and in sustainable production systems, particularly in relation to meat and dairy production. China has a particular interest in these areas.
I would hope that in my proposed trade Mission to China, which will take place from 15-22 April, we can further explore and deepen these levels of cooperation and trust that have developed between our two countries in the agriculture and fisheries areas.
In relation to two way investments, a number of Irish agri-food companies are already present in China and have made investments in setting up companies in China. Further investment decisions will be a matter for Irish food companies and their Chinese partners.
In relation to international investment in Ireland, I have identified, in relation to the Fisheries sector, the development of deep sea aquaculture as a means of expanding the production of organic farmed salmon. This will contribute to increased exports of fish and provide significant direct and indirect employment in vulnerable coastal communities. Ireland would welcome international interest in investing in Ireland's proposed large scale deep sea salmon farming, including that from China.
