An official from the Chinese Agriculture Ministry is visiting Ireland for talks about closer co-operation between the two countries.
Chinese Vice Minister Gao Hongbin confirmed that arrangements are being made by the Chinese authorities to send a full technical team to Ireland in the next month to examine the controls applying to beef production.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney welcomed "this very significant step forward."
He also expressed confidence that the Irish control system would provide the necessary reassurances to the Chinese experts.
Minister Gao's visit follows on from Mr Coveney's successful trade mission to China last month.
It was agreed on that visit that Mr Gao would come to Ireland with a view to fostering increased cooperation and understanding in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and food.
Minister Gao will have an opportunity to see the best that Irish grass-based farm production systems can offer in terms of producing high quality meat and dairy products, and will get an overview of Irish expertise in production research and food safety.
