Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
113. Deputy John Lyons asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has a dedicated strategy in relation to building bilateral relations with China; if he plans to visit China in the next 12 months; if he has invited the Chinese Premier to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45660/13]
View answer124. Deputy John Lyons asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total percentage of Ireland’s overall exports accounted for by exports to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 124 together.
Overall exports of goods from Ireland in 2012 amounted to €91.7 billion. Services exports amounted to a further €90.3 billion, for a combined total of €182 billion. The trade balance in Ireland’s favour was some €45.7 billion, including the highest services trade surplus since records began. Total goods exports to China (including its various territories) in 2012 were €2.3 billion, while services exports were €3.1 billion. Goods exports to China were thus 2.5% of total goods exports, with services exports to China 3.5% of total exports of services. Combined goods and services exports to China were €5.4 billion, or 3% of total exports from Ireland. These figures make China Ireland’s 9th biggest export market, and our largest in Asia. China is also a key market for indigenous exports from Ireland. In 2012, these amounted to €346 million, an increase of 19% from 2011. Enterprise Ireland has set a target of €600 million of indigenous exports to China by 2016, with a focus on six priority clusters: Financial Services, Clean technologies, Information & Communication Technologies, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & Education. China is also a key market for food and agriculture exports. These amounted to €323 million in 2012, an increase of 93% since 2010.
Ireland’s overall relations with China are based on ongoing assessment by Government of Ireland’s key strategic, political and economic interests. The Government recognises that the rapid development of China, along with other countries in Asia, has significant global implications, while providing many opportunities for Ireland. The Government has intensified Ireland’s bilateral relations with China since the visit of then Vice President Xi Jinping in February 2012. The Taoiseach made a return visit to China in March of last year, during which a Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation was agreed between the two countries. This Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for the development of further co-operation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, culture, and education. I made an official visit to China in July/August of this year, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi. I used the visit to further strengthen relations with a key global actor, as well as supporting Irish companies doing business in China, promoting Ireland as a tourist destination, and promoting Ireland as the best investment location for Chinese businesses looking to expand in Europe.
Last week, the Taoiseach and I met separately with Vice Premier Ma Kai, who visited Ireland at my invitation. We had substantive exchanges on all aspects of the bilateral relationship. Vice Premier Ma indicated a firm wish on the part of China to intensify co-operation across a range of areas including trade, investment, education, food and agriculture, and research and development.
Since the visit of President Xi to Ireland, 8 members of Government in addition to the Taoiseach and myself have visited China, with a similar number of Chinese Ministers visiting Ireland. At present, I do not have plans to return to China (for which an invitation would be required). The Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, is not currently scheduled to visit Ireland.
The Government will continue to seek to develop and expand Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China in a mutually beneficial way.
