A promotional event for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Dublin, Ireland, on June 24 saw a strong turnout of nearly 70 representatives from local business associations and enterprises.

A promotional event for the seventh CIIE is held in Dublin, Ireland on June 24. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

During the event, Wang Jiabao, commercial counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Ireland, said that China is currently Ireland's largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

He mentioned that since the inception of the CIIE in 2018, Irish companies have actively participated and achieved tangible results, leading to the increasing popularity of high-quality consumer goods from Ireland among Chinese customers.

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the CIIE venue, expressed anticipation for continued participation from Irish businesses in the CIIE. He emphasized key Irish industries such as aviation leasing, bio-pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and consumer goods, encouraging more high-quality enterprises and products to participate in the expo and seize the development opportunities offered by the vast Chinese market.

Niall Caffrey, secretary-general of the Industry and Commerce Association of Ireland (ICAOI), mentioned that the association's members showcased their brands at the sixth CIIE. He stated that the association aims to leverage the unique opportunities provided by the CIIE to strengthen connections with Chinese consumers and businesses, bringing more premium Irish brands to the Chinese market.

During the event, several Irish business representatives shared their success stories from participating in the CIIE. Patrick J. Cooney, the managing director of Boann Distillery, an Irish whiskey company, revealed that the company has participated in the CIIE since 2021 and has sold its whiskey in 136 cities across 23 provinces in China, with total exports exceeding 26,900 cases, valued at 3.98 million euros ($4.25 million).

Brendan Colbert, the managing director of Poachers Drinks, an Irish mixers company, highlighted a significant order the company received during its first time participating in the CIIE in 2022.

Colbert added that after two years of participating in the CIIE, Poachers Drinks' products have not only entered the Chinese market but have also found a place in high-end market in the country, with support from the Irish ambassador to China.

Additionally, representatives from various industry organizations at the event expressed their interest and optimism regarding the Chinese market, pledging continued support for Irish companies participating in this year's expo.

Representatives attend the promotional event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

A firm commitment was also made at the event, as Fengxun Ireland signed a participation contract for the seventh CIIE with the CIIE Bureau.

Fengxun Ireland signs up for the seventh CIIE at the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei