Last April Minister Coveney led the largest ever Irish agri-food delegation to China and this decision follows that visit.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Coveney said, "China is a key strategic trade partner for Ireland and has a strong demand for imports of high quality seafood, given the size of its population. Ireland is well placed to be a key supplier of sea food, meats, dairy products and beverages as well as other products and services to China. I am delighted that this announcement on Boarfish imports, which was the subject of specific discussions on my mission last April, is yet another positive development from that trade mission'.
BIM has achieved a considerable amount of work in this area including new product trials using 12 tonnes of Irish boarfish with a seafood processor in Quigdao. The commercial trials will confirm what formats from a Chinese perspective work best, whether its skinless fillets, headed and gutted, surimi type products or simply whole fish.