NORTHERN Ireland businesses should take advantage of a "golden age" in relations with China.
Thirteen firms from the north are on a five-day trade mission to the country.
Enterprise minister Jonathan Bell, who is on the trip, said companies from Northern Ireland had a "huge part to play in satisfying China's ever increasing demand for western goods and services".
Companies participating on the Invest NI trade mission are Audio International Ltd, Brand-It Manufacturing, Environmental Products and Services, Foyle International, Malvern Training, MJM Group, Yelo, Moy Park, NiSoft UK, Rubber & Plastic Products (NI), Sensurity, Titanic Belfast and Ulster University Business School.
"China is a fast-growing and dynamic marketplace and this week's mission will give both experienced exporters and new entrants to the market the opportunity to meet potential trading partners," said Mr Bell.
"We are now in what is being labelled the â'golden age' in UK-China relations, as was demonstrated by the recent UK-China Business Summit attended by President Xi Jinping.
"The figures speak for themselves. Our manufacturing exports to China are increasing year on year. In 2010/2011 manufacturing exports from Northern Ireland totalled£60 million and in four years have increased by over 58 per cent to £95m."
Invest NI supported trade missions have been travelling from the north to China for more than 15 years.
"As a direct result of our programme of business activities in China and at home, many Northern Ireland companies are reaping the business benefits, having established strong trade and investment links across what is a huge country," added Mr Bell.
