Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding developments between Ireland and China in relation to trade in agricultural products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38377/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Food has been identified by the Government as one of the most promising in regard to developing co-operation with the People's Republic of China. The market potential there is huge and it has to be said that we are at the very early stages of establishing a foothold in that country. I participated in a major trade delegation to China, which was led by an Taoiseach in January of this year, in which food promotion featured strongly.

The People's Republic of China features prominently in Bord Bia's programme of activities and several promotional visits have been undertaken there this year, including hosting two major food conferences during the Taoiseach's visit, in both Shanghai and Beijing.

Irish food exports to the People's Republic of China have grown from €7 million in 2000 to an estimated €20 million in 2004. Of the €20 million, almost €10 million is accounted for by dairy products, up from nearly €8 million in 2003. A major Irish food operator announced in January of this year details of a €20 million investment programme in that country to meet the growing requirements for food ingredients and flavours for its booming economy and fast growing dynamic consumer market requirements.

I signed the pork protocol in Beijing in January this year. This established the basic framework for exporting Irish pork to the People's Republic of China and was evidence that the authorities there are happy with our veterinary standards and food safety control systems. Since then, there have been exchanges of correspondence with the authorities in Beijing which resulted in agreement on the text of the veterinary certificate that will accompany consignments.

Detailed questionnaires required by the veterinary authorities in Beijing have been completed by prospective exporters and these were forwarded in August. The response of the authorities is awaited but they have indicated that it will be some time before they have completed their full examination of the documentation. I understand that other countries are also experiencing delays of this nature. My Department will continue to press for progress to enable the direct trade in pork to the People's Republic of China to commence as soon as possible.