Minister spearheads China trade mission
Stormont Enterprise Minister Reg Empey will visit Beijing in support of a major trade mission to Hong Kong and China, it was confirmed today.
The 10-day trip has been organised by Trade International Northern Ireland, the export arm of the Industrial Development Board.
Minister Empey will link up with mission members when they arrive in Beijing from Shanghai and Hong Kong on Sunday.
The minister plans to meet Chinese government officials to discuss trade and investment issues.
Hailing the project’s significance, he said: ‘‘The strength of the mission to such an intensely competitive marketplace is an indication of the ‘can do’ approach which has become a feature of many Northern Ireland export-focused companies.’’
Some 38 directors and senior managers from 27 companies in the province are on the trip, which forms part of a Trade International programme.
The delegation covers a broad section of industry, from manufacturers of linen and knitwear to medical devices, construction services and cutting edge hi-tech products.
Minister Empey aims to provide support and add value to the export efforts of Northern Ireland firms at a time when their traditional markets are being hit.
He will be meeting senior managers from Beijing companies doing business with trade mission participants such as Randox Laboratories in Crumlin and Andor Technology in Belfast.
His programme also includes a meeting with executives from west Belfast firm Delta Packaging, which is involved in a joint printing venture with Huabei Delta at Qian’an.
Minister Empey added: ‘‘I am immensely encouraged by the number of companies and the breadth of industries involved in this mission to China at a time when this rapidly developing nation is poised for even faster growth through its membership of the World Trade Organisation.
‘‘The fact that more than half the companies taking part in the mission are visiting China for the first time also shows a recognition that business opportunities in developing regions can help offset the current slowdown in mature markets in North America and Europe.’’
