Vol. 545 No. 4
104 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been a change of status in the Government's dealings with China since China has now been admitted as a member of the World Trade Organisation; the opportunities which exist as a result of China's entry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30716/01]
I welcome the recent decision of the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference at Doha to admit China to the WTO.
In welcoming China as a new member, the WTO has taken a major step towards further strengthening the multilateral trading system. Ireland has been a strong advocate of China's membership of the WTO and we look forward to co-operating closely with China within the WTO in the future. As you know, trade and economic relations between Ireland and China have grown substantially over the past number of years. China's accession to the WTO will help to consolidate these relations and to develop them further.
