The China International Import Expo (CIIE) serves as an important platform for Irish enterprises to showcase premium products and explore the Chinese market, said the Irish Ambassador to China Nicholas O'Brien on Thursday, the opening day of the expo.
Talking to reporters at the Ireland Pavilion in Shanghai, O'Brien stressed the CIIE's role in creating opportunities to boost mutual understanding between the two countries.
Pointing to the diverse selection of beverages, seafood, and dairy items on display at the Ireland Pavilion, the ambassador emphasized that food and agricultural products remain a cornerstone of bilateral trade. "I think food, food and drink are areas that there is real potential for cooperation, because what we have to offer is something unique. We have butter and we have cheese and they're doing very well here. Ireland is focusing very clearly on high quality and reliability and safety of food," he said.
O'Brien noted that Ireland has taken part in every CIIE since its debut, and its presence has continued to expand this year. He expressed hope that the participation could unlock new room for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
"This is the biggest year, the biggest national pavilion we've had here so far at CIIE. I think we already have very strong cooperation and collaboration with China. China is our largest trading partner in Asia. So we want to see that bringing more variety to the Chinese consumer," he said.
The ambassador praised the massive business opportunities the CIIE offers to the world and said he looks forward to deeper bilateral growth across sectors such as education and tourism.
"In terms of areas that we're focusing on going forward, I think education and tourism are particularly important. We have direct flights now, we have visa-free access for Irish citizens, so therefore it makes it very easy to come here," he said.
Data shows that bilateral trade between China and Ireland reached 25.06 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 6.5 percent year on year.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. This year's exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.
Irish ambassador highlights CIIE opportunities for premium Irish goods, wider cooperation
