(Yicai Global) Nov. 8 -- Milk powder maker Wyeth Nutrition's China arm has penned a deal with the Irish Food Board to import CNY20 billion (USD2.9 billion) worth of goods from Ireland over the next three years.

Wyeth will deepen its partnership with the board, known locally as Bord Bia, and introduce more high-quality products to China, Chinese state-backed International Finance News cited Wyeth Nutrition Greater China President Feng Qu as saying at the China International Import Expo on Nov. 6.

"[China] is our second biggest market for both dairy and pig meat, and a significant market for seafood exports," said Andrew Doyle, Ireland's Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture. "I hope that now that the market has opened, Irish beef will also be successful in this hugely valuable market."

Business and trade links between the two countries have grown considerably in recent years, with a particular focus on food. China became Ireland's third-largest export destination for food and beverages last year, with sales to the Asian nation growing 5 percent annually to EUR910 million (USD1 billion), more than double the amount from four years earlier.

There should be more room for growth this year, given China agreed to lift its ban on beef imported from Ireland in April.

Tara McCarthy, chief executive of Bord Bia, added that she hopes to bring more products representative of Ireland's top quality goods to Chinese consumers.

Editor: James Boynton