IFA confident of securing markets in China

Following his meeting today with the Chinese Vice President, the President of the Irish Farmers Association John Bryan has said he is confident Irish agri-business will be able to secure sustainable long-term markets for its dairy and meat products.

The focus of Xi Jin-ping's visit is on agriculture and tourism and it started with a visit to a dairy farm in Sixmilebridge in Co. Clare.

The Chinese Vice President will also take in the Cliffs of Moher before travelling to the capital for a dinner in Dublin Castle with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Tomorrow, China's leader-in-waiting will sign a trade deal with the Government to enhance trading ties between Ireland and China.

The IFA President said the distance between Ireland and China should not pose a problem.

Mr Bryan said: "Because of the huge imbalance of trade from China into Europe and Ireland, transport is actually much more reasonable than you would expect, and speaking to Irish companies that are exporting to China at the moment, they are saying transport is not as big a restriction.

"Part of the job of breaking into China is health certs and getting the Government to open the doors, and that is why this visit was so important."