Strategic alliance with China vital for upturn

This week the probable future leader of China — vice president Xi Jinping — is visiting Ireland. This is, arguably, as important if not more than the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama in 2011.

It is, firstly, remarkable that the leaders of three global powers choose to come to an island with a population of 4m people. It says something about the standing of Ireland in the world, and vividly underscores the nonsense of those who describe Ireland as a “kip” or a “dump”. Ireland has a shot at developing an economic junction box connecting Europe, the Americas and Asia. Each of these power blocks has an interest in fostering and encouraging world trade.

To do so they need experts in international trade who manage the cultural nuances that exist in all of these regions. The Irish are uniquely placed to do that.