Taoiseach Enda Kenny will begin an official visit to China on Sunday the 25th and will use the opportunity to promote trade and investment in both Shanghai and Beijing.
The key aims of the visit are to develop stronger relations with China and to promote Ireland both as a source of world class products and services for the Chinese market and as a location for Chinese investment.
The four day visit arises from an official invitation from Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier. The Taoiseach will meet with Premier Wen in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The invitation follows the successful visit to Ireland in February by Vice President Xi Jinping. The Taoiseach will have a return meeting with the Vice President during his visit.
The Taoiseach’s Beijing programme will include a courtesy call on Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People’s Congress. In Shanghai, he will meet with the Mayor of Shanghai.
The Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton T.D., and a number of key business and academic leaders from across a variety of sectors, supported by the State agencies.
The Taoiseach will also attend a number of business events aimed at promoting sectors of education, financial services, tourism, life sciences, cleantech and agri food.
Outline of key events and timings during Taoiseach’s visit to ChinaSunday 25th March – Shanghai
17:45 Networking reception for Business Delegation Marriott City Centre Hotel
Monday 26th March - Shanghai
08:20 Innovation Ireland Business Breakfast
Grand Ballroom, Marriott City Centre Hotel
10:00 MoU signings with Shanghai-based companies
12:00 Meeting with Mayor of Shanghai
Monday 26th March – Beijing
18:00 Meeting with Xi Jinping, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Diaoyutai State Guest House
Tuesday 27th March – Beijing
08:30 Business Breakfast followed by MoU signings
11:00 Tourism Ireland Event
St Regis Hotel
12:00 A & L Goodbody Legal Internship Launch
St Regis Hotel
13:50
Cultural programme - Visit to Forbidden City
17:00
Formal welcome by Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Great Hall of the People
Official Talks followed by Signing Ceremony followed by
State Banquet
Wednesday 28th March - Beijing
10:00 Tsinghua University – address by Taoiseach
11.55 Meeting with IDA and ICBC
15:30 Courtesy call on Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People’s Congress - Great Hall of the People
19:00 Networking Event with Business Delegation, Chinese Alumni of Irish Universities and Irish Community Representatives Embassy of Ireland
Return to Ireland Thursday 29th March