Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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314. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the next upcoming trade fair in China, including the date and venue, the areas of expertise specifically dealt with in the eligibility criteria for businesses wishing to take part and the steps that must be taken. [16907/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the world’s second largest economy, with a population of approximately 1.35 billion people, there are numerous trade fairs taking place in China each day. Some of the most well-known trade fairs that take place in China this year include the 120^thCanton Fair, the 22^ndChina Yiwu Commodities Fair and Bauma China 2016.

Officials in my Department are not aware of any forthcoming trade fair that is being organised or part-organised by Irish companies in China. Nonetheless, the Irish Embassy in Beijing, Irish Consulate Generals in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as Irish businesses and institutions often take part in trade fairs in China. For example, the Consulate General in Hong Kong will participate in the Hong Kong International Education Expo (HKIEE) Education Fair to be held there from 9-10 July 2016 along with Enterprise Ireland and some Irish third level institutes. It is also expected that Irish organisations will participate in the China Education Expo which takes place in Beijing on 22 October 2016 where Ireland will be awarded the title of Country of Honour.

Officials in my Department remain available to provide you with the details of any specific trade fair in which Irish businesses or organisations might seek to take part in China upon request.