Focus on niche technologies on Shanghai leg of misson

Ireland's technological advantages were the focus of the Shanghai leg of a trade mission to China led by Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton, with a number of key deals announced in the financial hub.

"We have the capacity to supply niche technologies that actually add value. That's our role in our relationship with China," Mr Bruton told The Irish Times .

“They need new technologies and they want to build partnerships.There’s an increasing good fit between what we are doing and the challenges that China seeks to meet.”

Medical device distributor

Galway-based medical technology firm ArraVasc signed a multimillion euro contract with Shanghai Micro Medical, a medical device distributor based in the city.

“This is a great channel to market. We are delighted to be working with our distribution partners here in Shanghai. This contract is worth at least $3.5 million (€2.57m) of business for new peripheral vascular products, and is an important part of our global expansion which is planned to create at least 20 new jobs over the next two to three,” said Jonathan Akehurst, chief executive of ArraVasc.

Keelings Solutions is expanding its China business through co-operation with Bright Food Group, a Shanghai government-owned food company which has also linked up with Glanbia and which bought Weetabix in 2012. The co-operation deal will be in fresh produce supply chain innovation and standardisation.

Keelings Solutions will implement its software and services at Shanghai Urban Life, a subsidiary of Bright.

“By utilising this fresh produce supply chain and information solution, the project will focus on improving existing operation efficiency, standardisation of processes and cost optimisation for Urban Life,” said Dan Zou, general manager of Green Island Keelings Solutions.

Zenith Technologies, which employs more than 400 people globally and is headquartered in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, said it would partner with the Chinese division of global electrical firm ABB to provide technology solutions and platforms for the emerging life-science industry in China.

Convertible

“The pace of development and the potential of the market in China present many operational and compliance challenges, and our experience with the global sector is obviously seen as very convertible,” said Zenith’s global sales and marketing director Stuart Richards.

Optical software company Ocuco announced the launch of its first office in China in Shanghai. The office has secured contracts of more than €300,000 in the past year and aims to continue to develop in the Chinese market.

Clavis Insight said it was opening an office in Shanghai and launched the latest version of its online store analytics solution eCommerce Insight 2.0. The cloud technology company develops and markets Clavis eCommerce Insight which online retailers use to analyse consumer packaged brands.