12th November 2025
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today hosted the 14th JEC meeting between Ireland and China. The Minister welcomed the delegation from the Ministry of Commerce, led by Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy China International Trade Representative, LING Ji.
The meeting, held at IDA Ireland Headquarters, marked a renewed phase in Ireland’s economic engagement with China, reflecting the importance of structured dialogue in advancing mutual interests.
Minister Burke welcomed the Chinese delegation, led by Vice Minister LING Ji of the Ministry of Commerce to Dublin for the 14th meeting of the People’s Republic of China – Ireland Joint Economic Commission. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister Burke and Vice Minister LING Ji and both acknowledged the significance the JEC has as a platform for deepening relations and economic ties between our countries. Minister Burke noted the remarkable growth in trade between Ireland and China over the last 10 years, reaching €36.7 billion in 2023, and highlighted China’s position as Ireland’s largest trading partner in Asia.
Minister Burke said,
“Our relationship with China is one which we greatly value. Since the last meeting of the JEC, there has been strong and continuous engagement on a wide variety of key areas including trade, investment, agriculture, education, finance, research and development, tourism and culture.”
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to review the current state of bilateral trade and investment, explore new areas of cooperation, and reaffirm the shared commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system and sustainable economic growth. The discussions were wide-ranging and constructive, covering topics such as bilateral trade and economic relations, agriculture and food, financial services, export controls on rare earths, green development cooperation, and global trade challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to showcase Ireland’s strategic approach to international trade, including the implementation of the Action Plan on Market Diversification, which aims to strengthen Ireland’s resilience by expanding trade relationships beyond traditional markets. China remains a key focus within this strategy, offering significant potential for Irish exporters across sectors such as agri-food, technology, and financial services.
Minister Burke said,
“Under the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, we have also expressed a readiness to step up our engagement with partner countries such as China on trade, industrial policy and related bilateral matters.”
Agriculture and food were identified as priority areas for enhanced cooperation, with Ireland outlining recent progress and opportunities for knowledge exchange including the Knowledge Transfer Programme, which supports innovation and best practice sharing.
Discussions on trade in services and export controls reflected the evolving global landscape, with both sides acknowledging the importance of regulatory clarity and cooperation. Ireland also outlined its competitive business environment and highlighted the new Ireland for Finance Strategy, which positions the country as a leading global hub for financial services.
The meeting concluded with a forward-looking discussion on future cooperation, where Minister Burke emphasised Ireland’s commitment to building a resilient and diversified economic partnership with China. He expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in areas such as education, technology, and sustainability, and encouraged continued engagement between officials to maintain momentum.
In closing remarks, Minister Burke highlighted that
“Ireland is fully committed to growing trade and investment links between our two countries and working our way through what are complex and sensitive times for international relations globally”.
On the importance of the JEC, Minister Burke continued,
“We have seen today that the Joint Economic Commissions provide an important forum for regular, face to face engagement on key areas of mutual importance, which is invaluable. I hope that we continue to cooperate through this structure, and I look forward to the possibility of the next meeting of the JEC taking place in China in 2027.”
The 14th JEC meeting ended with mutual expressions of appreciation and a shared commitment to deepening economic ties in the years ahead.
ENDS
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