Ceann Comhairle on 12-day bilateral visit to China, Mongolia; praises Chinese hosts for keen interest in building Irish links

On Friday, in Beijing, the Ceann Comhairle met with Mr Wang Yang, Chair of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Mr Li Zhanshu, Chair of the 7-man Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Speaking to Mr Wang, the Ceann Comhairle spoke of Ireland's progress in recent years emerging from a period of deep recession to become the fastest growing economy in the European Union. He noted the huge progress made in the Chinese economy in recent times and the opportunities for both countries in forging new partnerships in the areas of IT, bio-sciences, food, and tourism. Mr Wang noted that both countries strongly supported an international outlook to trade and investment, and emphasised the need to advance practical cooperation across areas of shared interest. Later, at a meeting with Mr Li, the third ranking Chinese political figure, the Ceann Comhairle praised the greening of public buildings in Beijing for St Patrick's Day and spoke of the growth in education cooperation and the introduction of Mandarin in the second level curriculum. Addressing the issue of Brexit, Mr Li emphasised the need to reach an acceptable deal between the UK and the European Union and recalled that China and the EU are close strategic partners. Mr Li also spoke of the influence of Shannon on Free Trade Zones in China and remarked on the popularity of Irish food products among Chinese consumers. He highlighted his country's desire to increase trade with Ireland.

Earlier in the visit, on Thursday, the Ceann Comhairle travelled to the western Chinese city of Chengdu, where he visited several businesses, including Sichuan Development Holdings, a company with strong existing trade ties with Ireland. SDH’s aircraft leasing business is based in Dublin and the company emphasized its commitment to further developing this over the coming years.

Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, TD, said: “In travelling to China, I had two specific objectives. Firstly, to build on existing political relations and secondly, to examine how Ireland and China can further develop their strategic partnerships. I have been hugely impressed by the significant transformation that has taken place in China and I believe that there are great opportunities for both countries in closer cooperation in the years ahead.’

The Ceann Comhairle led a cross-party delegation consisting of Senator Frank Feighan (Fine Gael, Government representative), Fiona O’Loughlin, TD (Fianna Fáil), Martin Ferris, TD (Sinn Féin), and Catherine Martin, TD (Green Party).