Northern Ireland Eyes Big Market

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 ◆ Northern Ireland Eyes Big Market

Northern Ireland company and trade officials are eager to tap the Chinese market now that it has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has landed the 2008 Olympic Games. "I anticipate very fast growth in this area," said Reg Empey, the Northern Ireland minister for enterprise, trade and investment. He said he expected China to be one of the world's largest economies, second only to the United States, some day. The minister is on a 10-day visit to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing along with executives from 29 local companies. The trade mission, organized by Trade International of North Ireland, is the third of its kind to travel to China in the last two years and includes companies from the fields of communications equipment, environmental protection, medical equipment, textiles, pharmacy, accounting, consulting, printing and construction. Empey said this is the largest trade mission from Northern Ireland to China and that Northern Ireland companies' enthusiasm to enter the market is high. He said companies have tried to expand the number of products they sell to China and network with local officials and companies. The delegation has identified infrastructure construction and environment management as major growth areas in China. Linda Forte, a mission leader and an official with the Trade International, said the visit was fruitful. One Northern Ireland environmental protection company signed a joint venture contract with a Shanghai company. And a printing and packaging company has agreed to set up a joint venture with a Tangshan-based company. She said the bureau will organize another mission to China next year and will hold a fair in September in Belfast showcasing the positives of doing business in China.