China will begin its inspection on Irish meat export facilities next month, following Ireland's official entrance to the Chinese beef market.
Once the inspections prove to be satisfactory for the Chinese officials, Irish beef will be allowed to be exported to China next year.
Ireland is the first European country to penetrate China's beef market, which both the U.S. and the U.K. are still hoping to enter.
Back in late 1980s, China banned beef imported from European countries due to an outbreak of mad cow disease.
The announcement of China's inspection plans were made during meetings held in Beijing between Simon Coveney and Han Changfu, agriculture ministers from eacy country, and Chinese market-access minister Zhi Shuping.
"I am delighted to have secured agreement from my Chinese counterpart to send a formal inspection team to Ireland in December," Coveney said.
Coveney added that the concern for Ireland's beef permission was already discussed with top officials, and he was glad that the deal has been made final during his visit.
Following the increasing incomes and growing health-consciousness among Chinese people, the demand for red meat has increased in China, the second-biggest economy worldwide.
According to Coveney, the red beef demand in China may increase up to 1 million tonnes in the following five years. He added that he is driven to give Ireland's meat processors and farmers access to the massive beef market in China.