Minister Creed Leads First Government of Ireland Agri-Food Trade Mission to Indonesia and Malaysia

30 October 2018


he Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., is today leading Ireland’s first agri-food trade mission to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Speaking ahead of the Trade Mission, Minister Michael Creed TD said; “I am very pleased to lead the first agri-food trade mission to Indonesia and Malaysia, two large and growing Asian economies, which have been identified as priority markets for the further growth of Irish agri-food exports.”

Indonesia has the fourth largest population in the world, at over 260 million people. Our agri-food exports to Indonesia last year amounted to €22 million, mainly dairy products, so there is clearly potential for further growth. 

Malaysia, with a population of 32 million, has close ties to Ireland, particularly in the field of education. Our food exports last year amounted to €38 million, almost all dairy, again with significant growth potential.

“Dairy will obviously be a major focus for the mission, but there will also be opportunities to discuss meat market access and promote our seafood exports” Minister Creed said; “Market development is a key theme of our shared Food Wise 2025 strategy for the sustainable growth of the sector, and increasing our share of international markets is an important response to the threat posed by Brexit”.

Minister Creed continued ’the Trade Mission will cover 18 key engagements.  I will be accompanied by senior officials from my own Department and from State agencies including Bord Bia and Sustainable Food Systems Ireland; with participation from many of our leading food companies”.

‘In order to succeed in Asia, it is vital to develop relationships at Government and business levels and to be guided by the best consumer and market insight available. I will use my bilateral engagements to highlight to our host countries that Ireland can provide safe, secure and sustainably produced food and to assist Irish companies looking to gain new business there’.

The key focus of this Trade Mission will be:

  • Showcasing Ireland as a source of high quality sustainably produced dairy products
  • Progressing market access for Irish meats in Indonesia and Malaysia
  • Expanding opportunities for our seafood sector
  • Promote Ireland as strategic partners for agri-food and agri-services
  • Facilitating and fostering increased business opportunities for Irish companies.

Speaking ahead of the Trade Mission, Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy said “Indonesia and Malaysia have been identified through Bord Bia’s market prioritisation study as offering high potential in the immediate future for dairy and in the medium term for meat. There is a clear opportunity to raise the profile of the Irish food industry in these import-dependent markets.

Our main goal on this Trade Mission is to raise awareness of Ireland as a source of sustainable dairy, to enhance our understanding of the meat market and to create commercial opportunities for Irish exporters through qualified introductions to the major import players in both markets.”

In addition to the trade and bilateral cooperation aspects of the mission, Minister Creed will participate in the international “Our Ocean” Conference, committing to tangible actions to ensure the future sustainability of the world’s oceans. Min Creed stated “we need to take action in ensuring the future sustainability of the marine and coastal environment for future generations’’.

Note for editors:

Programme

1. UN “Our Ocean” Conference, Bali, Indonesia, Sunday 28 to Tuesday 30 October

Minister Creed will speak during a panel discussion on Climate Change; and attend a range of side events and bilateral meetings.

2. Jakarta, Indonesia Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 October

Minister Creed and delegation will meet colleagues from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture to discuss trade opportunities, market access issues and future agri-tech cooperation.  The Minister will re-iterate the condolences of the Irish Government in relation to the terrible earthquake in central Sulawesi last month.

The Minister will also open a Bord Bia Dairy Seminar, and meet key food companies, as well as attending a number of events hosted by the Irish Embassy in Jakarta.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday 31 October and Thursday 01 November

Minister Creed will meet his Malaysian counterpart to discuss bilateral trade, market access issues and future cooperation. 

The Minister will also open a Bord Bia Dairy Seminar, and meet key food companies, as well as attending a number of events hosted by the Irish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

ENDS

Original Press Release, click here.