Press release
Minister Heydon leads major Agri-Food Trade Mission to Malaysia and Philippines
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State with special responsibility for New Market Development at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, will a lead a Ministerial trade mission to Malaysia and Philippines in cooperation with Bord Bia, Sustainable Food Systems Ireland, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland from 6-10 November.
Malaysia and the Philippines are expanding markets for Irish agri-food produce with 2022 total sales of agri-food products valued at €241 million, divided €68 million and €173 million respectively. The value of agri-food exports to Malaysia and the Philippines has increased by 24% and 178% respectively since 2018, the date of the last trade mission to Malaysia.
Speaking ahead of the Trade Mission, Minister Heydon stated:
“This is a significant two country trade mission where there are opportunities in both countries to grow the value of agri-food and agri-tech exports and deepen the relations between our countries. Malaysia has a sophisticated domestic market and is emerging in importance for Irish producers, particularly in the dairy sector, while Ireland and the Philippines have long historic links between its peoples and an increasing level of trade.
“This will be the first ever Irish agri-food trade mission to the Philippines and I look forward to working with counterparts on the ground in both counties to further develop markets there. Two thirds of global economic growth both now and into the future will come in the Asia Pacific region. With populations of 33 and 144 million in Malaysia and the Philippines respectively, coupled with their growing middle classes, these are markets which have been identified as having significant potential for our high quality, safe and sustainable Irish agri-food produce.”
Minister Heydon added:
“It is vital that trade is mutually beneficial. Therefore, my focus on this Trade Mission is twofold; to support our export sector in new market development while sharing expertise on safe, sustainable food systems and how we can work together with our hosts to promote the further development of these systems in both countries.”
During the 4-day visit, Minister Heydon will meet Ministers in both governments to discuss issues of mutual concern including market access issues. Minister Heydon will support both Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and their Irish client companies in their relationship building with key customers. Sustainable Food Systems Ireland and Teagasc experts will also engage with their counterparts on the knowledge transfer and research fields.
Minister Heydon will also as participate in Bord Bia led EU Dairy and Meat Trade seminars during the trade mission as well as an Enterprise Ireland Business Breakfast focused on Ireland agri-tech and agri-innovation solutions.
Accompanying Minister Heydon on the Trade Mission, Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said:
“Malaysia and the Philippines have been identified through Bord Bia’s market prioritisation study as key markets for dairy and meat. These markets are import-dependent, so this trade mission gives us the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the Irish food industry.
"We know from experience that it is vital for companies to develop trade relationships, learn the market dynamics and to be guided by the best consumer and market insight.
"Our main goal on this trade mission is to build awareness of Ireland as a source of safe and sustainably produced dairy, to enhance our understanding of the meat market and to create further commercial opportunities for Irish exporters.”
2022 Irish Agri-food Exports to:
| Malaysia | €68,147,000 | 26,242 tonnes | including Dairy €63 million. |
| The Philippines | €173,286,000 | 72,576 tonnes | including Dairy €72.5 million, beef €50.5 million, pigmeat €24 million, animal fats €13.5 million and animal feed €9.5 million. |
Export comparison 2018-2022
| Jan-Dec | 2018 | Jan-Dec | 2022 | ||||
| Ind | €000 | Tonnes | €000 | Tonnes | (+ / -) Value | Y-to-Y | |
| Grand Total | 117,059 | 74,455 | 241,432 | 98,818 | 124,374 | 106.25% | |
| Philippines | 62,304 | 41,550 | 173,286 | 72,576 | 110,981 | 178.13% | |
| Malaysia | 54,755 | 32,905 | 68,147 | 26,242 | 13,392 | 24.46% |