Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in China this week hoping to drum up business and attract interest from Asian firms.
Mr. Kenny has joined a trade mission to woo Chinese firms into doing their part in kick-starting the Republic's flagging economy. It
follows a visit to Ireland by Chinese Vice President, Xi Jinping, in February,
Joined by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, and the Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland Frank Ryan, the taoiseach visited the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and also official opened the new Shanghai office of Irish- owned global recruitment firm Morgan McKinley, which also has a presence in Hong Kong.
"Although our countries are very different in size, we have much to offer each other," Kenny said.
"Ireland has advantages which China can benefit from and China represents a vast market for Irish goods and services. Our similarities are greater than our differences and we have in many respects a surprisingly similar business culture, centered on enterprise and innovation.
"Irish companies are engaged in a continuous dynamic process of transformation. That's why we believe that a comparatively small country like Ireland is able to win solid business in China, and we have been working to build a strong awareness and a positive image of Ireland," the taoiseach added.
