Local firm given trade boost by Agriculture Minister’s Chinese visit

The Mid-Ulster Sinn Fein representative, who is in Shanghai along with the First and Deputy First Ministers, is due to fly home on Friday morning.

She told the Mid Ulster Mail the visit had resulted in a number of successful meetings, which had the potential for increased co-operation and trade opportunities in the future.

The Agriculture Minister also explained how she took the opportunity to speak with key elected Chinese officials about the removal of barriers to trade for a “key Mid Ulster pork company”.

Mrs O’Neill continued: “I have had a successful meeting with Professor Han of the Chinese Horse Industry Association. We are now looking forward to some Chinese students coming to Ireland as we share information and practical advice on the equine industry.

“There is a lot more potential for increased cooperation and hopefully trade in the future. I have signed two Memorandums of Understanding with Shanghai Agricultural Academy in Shanghai and with the Chinese Agricultural Academy in Beijing.

“Both will mean increased collabaration on research and development projects. I’m meeting local companies tomorrow (Thursday) to help boost trade with China at a major food exhibition - Food Hotel China.”