Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has signed an action plan with his Chinese counterpart for increased cooperation in the agri-food and fisheries sector.
It is hoped Ireland can increase the value of its food and seafood exports to China.
With a population of 1.3bn, China offers huge opportunity to Irish exporters in the agri-food and fisheries sector.
China is the world's fourth largest food importer and Minister Coveney has been meeting the Chinese Agriculture Minister Niu Dun to discuss greater interaction between the two countries.
Ireland exported over €107m in food, seafood, beverages, forestry products and wool to China last year, as well as a further €95m worth to Hong Kong.
It is hoped that today's agreement will build on these exports.
The Chinese minister spent four days in Ireland, with the focus of his visit on food safety, traceability systems and veterinary controls.
The delegation also visited laboratories and commercial processing facilities.
Minister Coveney said he hopes to make a return trip to China soon to build on the relationship established during this visit.
