AQW 37287/22-27
Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 11/12/2025
Answered On Date: 08/10/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail a comprehensive summary of the work undertaken by the Northern Ireland Bureau in China, within the last 12 months.
Answer:
The Northern Ireland Bureau China’s key areas of activity in 2025 included supporting trade and investment promotion activity aimed at increasing local exports to China. It facilitated business-to-business engagement, NI capability promotion and sector-focused discussions with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, life and health sciences, green technologies, logistics, financial and professional services, and the screen and creative industries. The Bureau provided in-country support for visits to China in 2025, including the Economy Minister’s visit in December 2025, when Dr Archibald completed an extensive programme of engagements across multiple cities that showcased NI trade, education and tourism. The Bureau supported our universities and further education institutions to strengthen partnerships with Chinese counterparts through assisting with university-to-university agreements, joint research collaboration discussions, student recruitment engagement and alumni outreach. The Bureau supported tourism promotion activity in China to raise NI’s profile as a destination for leisure, business and educational travel, as well as promoting NI Screen’s creative and cultural strengths as part of wider trade and investment engagement. The Bureau supported local authorities in maintaining and developing sister city and friendship city relationships in China, including organising a visit by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Alongside this, the Bureau organised and hosted business forums, receptions, roundtables and networking events bringing together Chinese government officials, businesses, investors, education institutions, and NI stakeholders.
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