Newry firm poised to sign major deal in China

A Newry-based engineering firm is believed to be on the brink of concluding a substantial deal with a major engineering manufacturer based in China.

It is understood that the move would give the firm a toehold in one of the largest and fastest growing markets for environmental products in the world.

The firm, FM environmental, produces wastewater treatment equipment and have expertise in the design and fabrication of treatment systems that would fit in with the Chinese government’s strategy to deal with water pollution and improve conditions for the populace.

Sir Reg Empey is to visit the Chinese capital Beijing as part of the largest ever trade mission organised by Trade International to China from Northern Ireland.

Sir Reg will link up with mission members when they arrive in Beijing from Shanghai and Hong Kong on 2 December. Taking part in the 10-day mission to China, part of an ongoing programme of Trade International initiatives in this important global market are 38 directors and senior managers from 27 Northern Ireland companies.

The Minister will be meeting Chinese Government representatives to discuss trade and investment issues during his visit to Beijing. Sir Reg will also host a reception for the Northern Ireland group, their guests and key contacts. Overall, his objective is to provide practical support and add value to the export efforts of local companies at a time when their traditional markets are slowing down.

During his visit Sir Reg will be meeting senior managers of Beijing companies who do business with trade mission participants such as Randox Laboratories, Crumlin and Andor Technology, Belfast.

Sir Reg will also meet with executives from west Belfast company, Delta Packaging, which has a joint venture printing operation, Huabei Delta, at Qian'an. They will be accompanied by Mr Dongyin Wang, Vice Mayor of Qian'an City and Mr Yunlin Zhu, Vice Mayor of Tangshan Province. (SP)