Dublin: Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang commenced his visit to Ireland on Wednesday, landing in Dublin for crucial discussions with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House. A significant agenda item will be the potential resumption of Irish beef exports to China, which were halted due to the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). The leaders’ meeting follows Li’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marking the first high-ranking Chinese representation at the annual event since 2017.
Ireland’s beef exports to China faced a temporary suspension following the confirmation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in November, a case confirmed by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. While the Irish Department asserts no public health risk, the decision to resume exports rests with Chinese authorities.
Martin Murray, Executive Director of Asia Matters, anticipates the talks to be a milestone in Ireland-China relations, with the resumption of beef exports high on the agenda. The discussions come after a surge in Irish exports to China, particularly in the aftermath of President Xi’s 2012 visit, propelling beef exports to €40 million in 2019.
China currently stands as Ireland’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade soaring from €3.7 billion in 2014 to €25.3 billion over the past decade. Irish exports to China reached €14 billion, and the agri-food sector alone achieved €722 million, reflecting a remarkable 76 percent increase within the same period.
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