Visit of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to China

During his visit, the Taoiseach met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji. In these meetings, he discussed Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China, including our important economic and trading relationship; EU-China relations; and shared global challenges. At a time of global turbulence, the Taoiseach stressed the importance of a strong EU-China relationship, emphasised the importance of robust and effective multilateral institutions to promote peace and security, respect for human rights, and the need to ensure a fair trading environment.

The Taoiseach also engaged with Irish and Chinese business leaders and investors, across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, further and higher education, and food and beverages. One-on-one meetings with a number of key companies highlighted the opportunities that exist for both Irish and Chinese investors and exporters.

In Beijing, there was a particular focus on further and higher education, an important area with potential for both partners, and where cooperation will yield longer-term dividends particularly in terms of people to people links. During the visit, the Taoiseach met with representatives of thirteen Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and their Chinese partners.

In Shanghai, the Taoiseach met with Mayor Gong Zheng. He also engaged with a range of business leaders, focusing on opportunities in terms of trade, investment, tourism, and food and beverages.

The reopening of the Chinese market for Irish beef following the Taoiseach’s visit was a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China.