Minister Humphreys meets with local companies on hugely successful trade mission to China

Published: Wed 7 Nov 2018, 8:33 AM

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, has had successful meetings with three key local companies – Combilift, Newbaze and Lakeland Dairies – on her trade mission to China.

The minister announced new deals worth over €50 million were signed by a number of the 45 Irish companies participating in the trade mission.

Minister Humphreys said:“I am delighted to report that my trade mission to Hong Kong, Shenzen and Shanghai has been hugely successful, with deals of over €50 million being signed by a number of the Irish participants.

“China is an important and growing trade partner for Ireland, with total trade between the two countries valued at €12.9 billion in 2016, a 15% increase compared to 2015. Ireland’s goods exports to China were valued at €5.1 billion in 2017, while two-way goods trade was valued at €9.6 billion,” the Minister said.

Ireland’s trading relationship with China is expanding as Irish businesses diversify, particularly with just months to go to Brexit. Markets such as China are vital for Irish businesses to compete and trade in new markets.

Minister Humphreys said that the mission has been very productive: “I was particularly pleased to have excellent engagement with a number of local businesses over the course of the week, including both indignenous companies and foreign investors. I started off the trade mission by meeting with Combilift and Vita-Wheel, who are a major trading partner of Combilift in Hong Kong.”

Comblift are a flag bearer for Ireland's export sector serviceing over 85 countries: “Without a doubt, they prove that you don’t have to be based in a big city to achieve global success, and it was no surprise to hear Frank Ng, Managing Director of Vita-Wheel, speaking so highly about the products and service they offer,” Minister Humphreys said.

The Minister met with representatives of Newbaze in Shanghai, who specialise in dairy nutrition: “They included Mr. Yu ShiRong, President and Chairman; Mr. Zhang Bing, Sales Director; and Mr. Yu Haoyun, Board Member. We were also joined by Mr. Eoin O’Leary, the Ambassador of Ireland to the People’s Republic of China and Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland.”

Newbaze have bought the old Bose factory in Carrickmacross and are currently fitting out the plant. This is a hugely important project that will create jobs locally.