Vice Minister Zhi Shuping meets with Irish official

AQSIQ Vice Minister Zhi Shuping and Ireland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Assistant General Secretary Jim Beecher signed a protocol on the veterinary and sanitary requirements for export of bovine semen from Ireland to China in Beijing on Oct. 23, and held friendly talks on issues of mutual concern, including food safety and market access system. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen. Zhi extended his warm welcome to the Irish delegation, and expressed his hope that signing of the protocol could further promote cooperation in bilateral trade, especially in inspection and quarantine. China always holds a positive and open attitude towards other countries and regions, and hopes to solve all issues through friendly consultation. China attaches great importance to food safety and has taken a series of effective measures, said Zhi. Beecher said, no country in the world can ensure 100% safety of food all the time, and Ireland is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly solve food safety issues.