Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2012
234 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he intends to travel to China to meet Chinese leaders; the specific priorities of this trip; the proposed composition of the delegation to accompany him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15679/12]
View answerLater today I will travel to China for an intensive, seven day, four city programme to pursue trade and investment opportunities with that country. In addition to my own programme, early next week I will accompany the Taoiseach at meetings with senior Chinese leaders in Beijing. These meetings will build on the political and economic momentum achieved during the recent very successful visit to Ireland of the Chinese Vice President, Xi Jinping.
About 130 executives from 90 Irish companies will participate on this Mission. My engagements are designed to directly help their immediate export intentions and to support their longer term strategies to develop the huge potential of the Chinese market. My plans cover a range of events that include meetings and introductions to Chinese partners so that our exporters can build the necessary relationships from which substantial long term trade and investment opportunities will flow.
I will also be promoting the attraction of Ireland as a prime location for investment from Chinese companies. An extensive programme of events to pursue such investment has been arranged.
In addition to the participating company representatives, I will be accompanied by senior officials from the key State Agencies especially Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and relevant officials from my Department.
This Mission represents a cohesive and integrated initiative by the relevant State Departments and bodies to pursue attractive opportunities in the dynamic Chinese economy.
