Irish companies sign deals with China worth €35m

Mr Kenny said a strategic partnership had been established between the two nations which would produce major economic benefits for Ireland over the next decade.

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton, who is also part of the delegation which comprises of representatives of about 90 Irish firms, praised the efforts of those involved.

“There has been a fantastic buzz about this trade mission, about €35m in new trade is written in those contracts involving 14 companies and it’s encouraging to see a number of banks and law firms taking part, as that will be the infrastructure for the future,” he said.

Mr Kenny denied he was soft-peddling on calls for greater Tibetan autonomy following a joint statement by the two governments reiterating Ireland’s opposition to “all comments and propositions undermining China’s territorial integrity”.

Mr Kenny received a warm reception from students at one of Beijing’s leading universities where he spoke his first Chinese words of the tour.

Rejecting criticisms that he had been weak on human rights abuses by the Chinese regime, the Taoiseach said other leaders such as Germany’s Angela Merkel may have been more direct with Beijing, but this was his first visit to the country as Irish leader and he had raised the matter.

Trade dominated the visit, with Irish firm the PM group announcing it has plans and design management projects in China with a capital value of about $400m (€300m).

A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the IDA and the world’s largest bank, ICBC. The bank has assets of about $1,900bn and would be a key partner in developing Sino-Irish trade.

The deal between the states concentrates on co-operation and trade in the areas of investment and economics centred on tourism, education, science, agriculture, and food.

The agreement came about after Mr Kenny met with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People’s Congress.

Mr Kenny said: “This agreement will put Ireland-China relations on a new level. It provides a clear and important framework for closer engagement and co-operation in all of the key areas of interest to Ireland.

“This type of agreement is especially important in the Chinese political, administrative and business system. It is a new and highly significant development in Ireland-China relations, and puts the seal on a very successful visit to China.

“I will ensure that there is comprehensive cross-Government follow-up in respect of the various elements of this agreement and the many important sectoral memorandums of understanding which were concluded during this week’s visit.”