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Taoiseach Begins Four-Day Visit to China

Taoiseach Enda Kenny begins a four day official visit to China today. During the visit the Taoiseach will meet with Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The Taoiseach will use the opportunity to promote trade and investment in both Shanghai and Beijing.

He said:

Although our countries are very different in size we have much to offer each other. Ireland has advantages which China can benefit from and China represents a vast market for Irish goods and services. Our similarities are greater than our differences and we have in many respects a surprisingly similar business culture, centred on enterprise and innovation.

We have been working hard to build a strong awareness and a positive image of Ireland. Both Ireland and China have moved rapidly toward a knowledge-based economy built on innovation and technology and our companies have all the elements for working more closely together.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and key business leaders will accompany the Taoiseach on his Chinese visit, the main aim of which is to promote Ireland both as a source of world class products and services and as a location for Chinese investment.

The Taoiseach added:

I believe that people to people contacts enhance relationships between countries. Irish culture is very popular in China and there is a great interest in Ireland among Chinese tour operators. There are also great links and possibilities in the education sector. Greater trade and cultural links will benefit both of our countries and will help to cement further the excellent relationship that already exists between China and Ireland.

The Taoiseach will also take part in a number of business events aimed at promoting sectors of education, financial services, tourism, life sciences, cleantech and agri food.

Read the full press release here.