Press release
Minister McConalogue continues Korea Trade Mission with promotion of Irish equine sector
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 for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue continued the Team Ireland trade mission to Korea today with a number of promotional events for the Irish equine sector. The main event was a bilateral visit with the Korean Racing Authority who are the governing body for the sector in Korea.
Commenting the Minister said:
“The horse racing and breeding sector in Ireland is world class and renowned globally. It’s currently worth €2.5 billion to the Irish economy supporting 30,000 direct and indirect jobs and I was delighted to have the opportunity to promote it here in Korea today. Horse racing is an area of common interest in both Ireland and Korea and there’s huge potential for collaboration between the respective sectors.”
The Minister met first with Jung Ki-Hwan the CEO of the Korean racing authority for an overview of the sector here. The Minister also met with Irish company Connolly Redmills who have a significant presence in Korea selling premium Irish equine feed.
The Minister commented:
"The presence of premium Irish equine feed from Connolly Red Mills in an sophisticated market like Korea is a testament to the company’s achievements in developing products with a global reputation. I congratulate them also on developing a new range of Irish produced pet foods on sale now in Korea. Promoting Irish agritech businesses internationally is core to my vision for the sector overall given their contribution to our rural economy.”
Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific region, Mary Kinnane said:
“As part of the Team Ireland Trade mission to South Korea, Enterprise Ireland was delighted to visit the Korea Racing Authority to see how the horse industry is working with Irish companies like Connolly Red Mills to support their ambition for elite performance in all aspects of their equine industry."
The trade mission continues later on Thursday when the Minister will join Bord Bia in a series of promotional engagements with Irish food exporters and their Korean customers.
Photo caption: Minister McConaloague at an equine centre in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, with Seungjoo Min, Jongcheol Kim and Mary Kinane Enterprise Ireland Regional Director APAC.