Exporting from Ireland to China: China Market Update

  • Date
    20 March 2024
  • Beijing Time
    17:30 - 18:30
  • Brussels Time
    10:30 - 11:30
  • Location
    Online
  • Venue
    Zoom
  • Open to
    All European SMEs
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Ireland have embraced internationalisation and built a strong presence in markets across the world. Nonetheless, entering the Chinese market comes with challenges that can be daunting even for seasoned exporters. Notably, identifying the right retail channels, navigating customs regulations, and building relationships with Chinese partners can prove difficult.

On 20 March, the EU SME Centre is organising, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Ireland China Business Association, a free webinar to equip Irish SMEs with an informative overview of the Chinese market. This session aims at sharing practical knowledge helpful to conduct business in China, with a focus on partner identification and contract signing. The webinar will also feature practical cases highlighting the primary challenges faced by SMEs and feasible steps to mitigate potential issues.

Join this webinar to:

  1. Get a comprehensive introduction to the Chinese market, its unique aspects and intricacies.
  2. Gain key insights and tips to consider before entering the Chinese market.
  3. Hear the experiences of Irish companies active in the market.
  4. Understand the services offered by the EU SME Centre and how to benefit from them.
  5. Learn the comparative benefits and opportunities of general trade vs cross-border e-commerce, and the retail channels available.
  6. Get prepared to discuss with Chinese partners.


Agenda (Irish Time)

9:30 – 9:40

Opening remarks
Liam Jia, Team Lead, EU SME Centre
Patrick O’Riordan, Director China, Enterprise Ireland

9:40 – 10:05

Experience sharing with Irish companies exporting to China
Ian Lahiffe, China Lead, Celtic Sea Minerals
Apple Zhang, Marketing Manager, Keenan Alltech
Bei Zhang, Director of Beijing Representative Office, University College Cork

10:05 – 10:25

Understanding the Chinese Market: Market Access, Regulations, Sales Channels, and Recommendations for Irish Exporters
Alessio Petino, Business Advisor, EU SME Centre

10:25 – 10:30

Closing remarks
Caroline Devlin, Chair, Ireland China Business Association

Keynote Speaker
Alessio Petino
Business Advisor, EU SME Centre

Alessio has worked for 8+ years on various EU-funded projects in China, mainly conducting policy and regulatory analysis for European companies looking to enter or already in the Chinese market. Key focus areas: market access regulations and barriers, investment attraction policies, standards & compliance – with particular focus on R&D, tech & innovation.

Alessio joined the EU SME Centre in October 2020. He coordinates reports, guidelines and technical assistance to European SMEs; he also delivers training about different market entry approaches and engagements with China, opportunities and risks, as well as do’s and don’ts.

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