The Agriculture Minister departs on a major trade mission to China today.

The trips aims to build relationships with potential business partners and buyers.

China is a major importer of agri-food and fisheries products and a key element of the visit is to build on the growing volume of dairy and infant formula exports from Ireland to China.

Around 37 Irish companies will join Minister Simon Coveney on the mission, along with senior officials from his Department and from State Agencies in the agri-food and fisheries sector.

The trade mission, which will cover five major cities over the next five days with a total of fifty engagements, aims to give Irish companies an opportunity to increase their profile in China.

The key focus will be on progressing market access for Irish beef, expanding opportunities for the seafood sector and promote Ireland as strategic partners for agri-food and agri-services.

The mission will include meetings with the Chinese Minister for Agriculture, the country's Vice Minister for International Trade and key government officials in Beijing and Shanghai.