merrion street

Ireland has concluded an important Strategic Partnership Agreement with China as the culmination of a successful visit to China by the Taoiseach.

The Partnership Agreement sets out a framework to ensure mutually beneficial cooperation between Ireland and China in a number of important areas including:

Greater levels of two-way trade and investment for Irish and Chinese companies and investors;

Attracting inward investment from China to Ireland which in turn can facilitate greater access to the wider EU internal market;

Increased cooperation in the area of science, technology and innovation;

Closer collaboration in the agriculture sector including food and agribusiness;

Greater levels of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including in the education and research sectors.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to respecting and safeguarding human rights and agreed to share expertise in areas such as governance and rule of law. They also restated their commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

The two countries also reaffirmed support the development of EU – China relations.

Commenting on conclusion of the agreement, the Taoiseach said:

“This Agreement will put Ireland-China relations on a new level. It provides a clear and important framework for closer engagement and cooperation in all of the key areas of interest to Ireland.

This type of agreement is especially important in the Chinese political, administrative and business system. It is a new and highly significant development in Ireland-China relations, and puts the seal on a very successful visit to China.

I will ensure that there is comprehensive cross- Government follow-up in respect of the various elements of this agreement and the many important sectoral Memorandums of Understanding which were concluded during this week’s visit.”

The full text of the Strategic Partnership Agreement is available at www.merrionstreet.ie.