Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any progress was made in his discussions with the Chinese delegation as regards to increasing exports of Irish food products and or opening of new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11988/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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China 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. Exports of food and beverages alone have risen from €135m in 2010 to an estimated €180m in 2011. It is anticipated that further growth in exports to China will continue in 2012. This increase in exports reflects both the efforts of Irish companies and Bord Bia in promoting sales of Irish food and beverages in China and my Department's work in conjunction with diplomatic channels in facilitating market access for individual companies into China. The recent visit of the Chinese Vice President to Ireland and, in particular, the opportunity he had to view an Irish dairy farm at first hand, is an important milestone in that respect.

The process of obtaining approval for the export of food and other products to China is complex and detailed. My Department continues to work closely with the Chinese Authorities and our Embassy in Beijing with regard to progressing the issue of market access for additional products, including beef. Market access for beef was one of the issues raised with Vice President Xi Jinping during his recent visit to Ireland. I will be leading a trade mission to China in April and the issue of trade and furthering our market access objectives will raised with my counterparts.