ICCTA Monthly Newsletter - September 2025 |
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Stay Connected with the Latest in Sino-Irish Tourism & Culture |
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As autumn begins, ICCTA highlights a dynamic period of new partnerships and achievements in Ireland–China relations. This month’s issue brings you fresh insights from recent business and cultural missions, milestone events in both countries, and practical updates to help members harness emerging opportunities in tourism, trade, and cross-cultural exchange. |
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Strengthening Ties: Shandong Delegation’s August Visit to Ireland | | |
| In September, a high-level delegation from Shandong Province, China, led by Deputy Secretary of the Shandong Provincial Party Committee, Wang Yuyan, visited Ireland. The delegation’s visit underscored the growing partnership between Shandong and Ireland across multiple sectors. During their stay, the group held productive discussions with Irish government officials, local enterprises, and cultural organizations, focusing on expanding collaboration in agriculture, business, education, and cultural exchange. A key highlight of the trip was the delegation’s attendance at the National Ploughing Championships—one of Europe’s largest agricultural exhibitions—where they gained valuable insights into Ireland’s innovations in agri-tech and rural development. |
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| | Upcoming: Business Delegation to Canton Fair & Linyi Trade City | | |
| In October 9 - 16, 2025, an Irish business delegation will join a seven-day sourcing mission to Guangzhou, Linyi, and Qingdao. The delegation will participate in the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)—the world’s largest trade expo—and attend the Linyi Mall International Buyers Conference. Key highlights included efficient B2B matchmaking, access to 25,000+ exhibitors, guided factory tours, and networking with thousands of buyers and suppliers across industries like consumer goods, electronics, and manufacturing. | | |
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Join Us: Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage |  | ICCTA has received an invitation to participate in the Second Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage, taking place in Beijing from October 17–21, 2025. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and Beijing Municipality, the program features an opening ceremony, a global intangible heritage exhibition, expert dialogues, and a special heritage marketplace. ICCTA invites members and partners to recommend relevant organizations, artists, and projects for representation—fostering deeper cultural exchange, international cooperation, and mutual learning between Ireland and China in heritage protection and promotion. | | |
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| | COME Tourism Resource Exhibition: Autumn-Winter Schedule | | |
|  | The COME Tourism Resource Exhibition offers Irish tourism businesses exclusive B2B networking opportunities across China's major travel markets. This premium platform connects international suppliers with leading Chinese tour operators, travel agents, M.I.C.E. planners, and travel experts across multiple cities. Upcoming October-December Schedule: Oct 14 (Tuesday) - Shanghai Oct 16 (Thursday) - Guangzhou Oct 21 (Tuesday) - Chengdu Oct 23 (Thursday) - Beijing Nov 11 (Tuesday) - Jinan Nov 13 (Thursday) - Fuzhou Nov 18 (Tuesday) - Xi'an Nov 20 (Thursday) - Taiyuan Dec 16 (Tuesday) - Shenzhen Dec 18 (Thursday) - Hangzhou Each one-day workshop features intensive B2B meetings, buffet networking lunch, and direct access to hundreds of local travel professionals. With over 1,000 travel brands participating across 120 countries, COME provides cost-effective market expansion opportunities—covering three cities for the cost of one traditional trade show. Contact ICCTA for participation details and group bookings. | | |
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| | Upcoming: 2025 International Wudang Tai Chi Culture Festival | | |
| From October 25 – 31, delegates will participate in the International Wudang Tai Chi Culture Festival in China—a celebration of martial arts, wellness, and cultural exchange. The week-long itinerary includes the opening ceremony, dedicated conference for international business cooperation in tourism and wellness, and guided visits across historic Wudang Mountains, ancient towns, and prominent cultural sites in Hubei Province. ICCTA encourages members interested in Tai Chi, intangible cultural heritage, or wellness travel to join this immersive experience and connect with Chinese and global partners on-site. | | |
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Upcoming: Ireland Seafood Reception at Qingdao International Fisheries Expo | | |
| As part of the 2025 China International Fisheries Expo, the Bord Bia will host a special Ireland Seafood Reception in Qingdao on October 29, 2025. The reception is an integral stop on the 2025 Irish agri-food trade mission to China. Mr. Timmy Dooley, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will join the delegation and attend the event. Ireland, with shellfish exports valued at €185 million and approximately €30 million sold to Greater China, now views China as one of its most important seafood markets. Attendees will enjoy a bespoke gourmet seafood dinner, with guest chef Zhu Wenyuan (Chef Bear) introducing and demonstrating Irish seafood cooking techniques. Alongside the reception, nine top Irish seafood enterprises will present at the Ireland Pavilion (B7-0101, 0202), spanning a 150m² exhibition space at the Expo, showcasing premium Irish shellfish and deep-sea products. |
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Member News: Zatino Group Leads Irish Mission to China's Biomedical Hub |
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ICCTA member Zatino Group is organising a group of delegates participation in a groundbreaking business mission to Changsha, Hunan Province (November 16-18) during the Global Sourcing and Investment Summit. This initiative comes at a pivotal moment as global trade dynamics shift, creating unique opportunities for Irish companies in China's rapidly evolving biomedical sector. While the US implements new pharmaceutical tariffs from October 1st, the same date sees Hunan Province launch China's first Cell and Gene Industry Promotion Regulation—a pioneering policy offering accelerated pathways for innovative therapies. This creates exceptional market access opportunities for biomedical companies through "expanded access" clinical programs and partnerships with prestigious institutions like Xiangya Hospital. ICCTA members with networks in Ireland's pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical research sectors are encouraged to share this opportunity. Our cultural and tourism community's extensive professional connections could help Irish innovators discover this timely market diversification opportunity. |
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Companies interested in joining Zatino Group's Hunan mission can contact them directly at team@zatino.ie | | |
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For inquiries or additional information, please contact us at info@cits.ie Copyright (C) 2025 The Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association (ICCTA). All rights reserved. |
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