Minister Hackett leads trade mission to Thailand and Vietnam to deepen co operation and promote agri food produce

Ireland's first ever agri-food trade mission to Thailand

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett will lead Ireland's agri-food trade mission to Thailand and Vietnam in cooperation with Bord Bia this week. The focus will be on expanding co-operation, including on trade, and promotion across a range of products including meat, dairy and seafood. The trade missions will include high level ministerial meetings, as well as market development work at high profile trade events in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Ireland's total agri-food exports to Thailand and Vietnam in 2023 amounted to €98.8 million, with dairy exports being the largest category in both regions.

Minister Hackett, commenting ahead of the mission, said:

"This will be the first ever Agri-food trade mission to Thailand. I look forward to engaging with counterparts in both Thailand and Vietnam to further develop our trading relationship and market access. We have seen a year-on-year increase in value of agri-food exports to Thailand, which have increased by over 37% in the last decade. Two thirds of global economic growth now and in the future will come in the Asia Pacific region, so it is important that Ireland is active and on the ground here."

During the 5-day visit, Minister Hackett will meet with representatives from Thai and Vietnamese governments to discuss opportunities for further co-operation, market access and the development of sustainable food systems globally. Minister Hackett will also attend key trade receptions and meet with key companies and importers in both countries to support Irish businesses who are active or identify potential in the region.

Accompanying Minister Hackett on the Trade Mission, Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole said:

"Our market intelligence tells us that there will be an increased demand for adult dairy nutrition and protein in the region in the coming years, representing an opportunity for Irish dairy and pigmeat and beef exporters to grow their operations in these markets. Our main goal on this trade mission is to build awareness of Ireland as a source of safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy, to enhance our understanding of the markets and to create further commercial opportunities for Irish exporters."

He added:

"Thailand and Vietnam have been identified through Bord Bia's 2024 market prioritisation exercise as key markets for Irish dairy and meat exports. These markets are import-dependent, so this trade mission gives us the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the Irish food industry while also leveraging Ireland's national sustainability programme, Origin Green, in customer interactions. This will safeguard Ireland's global reputation and competitive advantage as a producer of quality sustainable food."

Minister Hackett concluded:

"Our Food Vision 2030 strategy aims to grow the value of Irish agri-food exports. Building a diversified portfolio of market opportunity for different sectors will improve resilience and support our farmers, fishers and all of those working in the sector in Ireland in the decade ahead. Developing closer relationships this week with key partners in both Thailand and Vietnam is vital to achieve this, while enhancing Ireland's reputation as a sustainable supplier of high-quality food and drink."

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Thailand Agri-food Exports:

Total agri-food exports to Thailand in 2023 amounted to €59.5 million or 0.3% of all Irish agri-food exports by value and amounting to 20,104 tonnes. This represents a 10% increase in value on 2022, and 7.3% in volume. Irish agri-food exports to Thailand were valued at €42.9 million in 2014, showing a 37.8% increase in export value over the decade.

Dairy produce was Ireland's largest category of agri-food export to Thailand, worth €55 million and representing 93% of total exports to Thailand. Animal Foodstuffs and Beverages were second and third largest exports each, valued at €1.8 million and €1.3 million respectively.

Vietnam Agri-food Exports:

Total agri-food exports to Vietnam in 2023 amounted to €39.3 million or 0.2% of all Irish agri-food exports by value and amounting to 34,201 tonnes.

Dairy produce was Ireland's largest category of agri-food export to Vietnam, worth €19.5 million and representing 50% of total exports to Vietnam. Animal Foodstuffs and Fish were second and third largest exports each, valued at €12.9 million and €4.0 million respectively.