Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is in China to undertake a series of engagements designed to showcase Northern Ireland’s strengths in education, trade, tourism, and the screen industries.
The five-day programme will include engagements in Beijing, Shenyang and Shanghai.
Minister Archibald said: “With a population of 1.3 billion and as the world’s second-largest economy, building strong relationships with China is important as we work towards long-term, sustainable economic prosperity across the north.”
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Exports from the north to China were valued at £125 million in 2024, and the Minister believes there is significant potential to grow this figure through focused engagement and promotion of the region’s unique dual market access offering.
Outlining the objectives of the visit, the Minister said: “I will be strengthening partnerships between local universities and Chinese institutions, with a focus on joint research, student mobility, and new academic initiatives.
“The visit will also help deepen economic ties, unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, and support local companies to expand their presence in China’s market.
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“Along with Tourism Ireland I will be promoting the north as a unique destination and developing travel partnerships to increase visitor numbers.
“Finally, I will be showcasing our region’s creative strengths, including Studio Ulster, at a major film industry event in Beijing, promoting the north as a world-class filming location.”
The Minister concluded: “Our educational institutions are world-renowned, and our screen industry has grown from strength to strength, now boasting one of the world’s leading film facilities at Studio Ulster. This visit is about building on these successes, fostering collaboration, and unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.”
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