Ireland has secured full market access to China for salmon exports, ending four years of negotiations.
The announcement was made by Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore during the latest stage of his four day diplomatic and trade mission to the country.
Gilmore said the deal would give a further boost to Ireland's growing seafood exports.
“Last year was our most successful ever for food and drink exports, which is proof of the quality of product Ireland has to offer,” Gilmore said.
''What's important now is to build on this deal, to further expand the range of Irish seafood available in China.''
Irish seafood exports to China have jumped 75pc since 2010, growing from €5.7m that year to €10m in 2012.
The announcement follows four years of negotiations between the Chinese authorities and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), in conjunction with the Irish embassy in Beijing.
Mr Gilmore said the development was a measure of confidence in Ireland's seafood quality controls.
Ireland already exports high volumes of mackerel, horse mackerel and blue whiting while recent years have seen growing demand for crab and boarfish.
Earlier Tourism Ireland launched a Chinese language version of its website to entice visitors from the Asian country to Ireland.
