Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan Attends Signing Ceremony of Cooperation Agreement between Tsingtao Brewery and Great Northern Distillery

On July 30, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan was invited to attend and deliver an address at the signing ceremony of a long-term cooperation agreement between Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd. and Great Northern Distillery. Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport; Nicolas O'Brien, Irish Ambassador to China; Cai Zhiwei from Tsingtao Brewery and John Teeling from GND attended the event.

Ambassador Zhao stated that the cooperation between the brewing enterprises of the two countries is a win-win initiative that integrates Irish whiskey into China's vast consumer market, as well as an example of the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications adding momentum to bilateral cooperation. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will further expand high-level opening-up to the outside world. More Irish enterprises are welcome to explore China's development opportunities and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

Minister of State Buttimer welcomed the signing of the agreement on behalf of the Irish government, expressing his delight at seeing enterprises from Ireland and China joining hands to create opportunities. The Irish government is committed to developing trade and investment ties with China and will continue to support enterprises in deepening their partnerships to help strengthen economic relations between the two countries.