Ireland Sends Largest Ever Foreign Trade Mission To China And Hong Kong

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

18 January 2005

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has arrived in China to lead Ireland’s largest foreign trade mission consisting of four Cabinet ministers and hundreds of business representatives.

Ahern is being accompanied on the trip, which will include visits to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, by Enterprise and Trade Minister Micheal Martin, Education and Science Minister Mary Hanafin, Communications Minister Noel Dempsey and Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The Irish governmental delegation is also joined by a huge business contingent, numbering more than 200 representatives.

Writing in the Irish Independent yesterday, Mr Ahern explained that Ireland is targeting business opportunities in several industries, including software, telecommunications, engineering and environmental and education services.

According to the Prime Minister, trade between Ireland and China is worth EUR4 billion annually, while exports to the People’s Republic grew by 25% last year.

Trade Minister Martin observed that: “The sheer size of the Chinese economy is generating exciting opportunities for ambitious Irish firms. This trade mission will help companies develop business contacts and investigate all elements of the market.”

In addition to formal meetings with President Hu Jintau and premier Wen Jiabao, Ahern will also hold discussions the Lord Mayor of Shanghai and the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong.

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