China vice-premier in trade pledge

Chinese vice president Xi Jinping has pledged reliable trade with Ireland as Taoiseach Enda Kenny prepares to visit the People’s Republic next month.

The future president praised the Irish work ethic and confirmed that both nations will continue working closely together to strengthen investment ties.

“China is a reliable friend for Ireland and other European countries,” said Mr Xi, while addressing an Ireland-China forum of 350 business delegates in Dublin today.

The Taoiseach must await a formal invitation from the Chinese government before officially accepting Mr Xi’s invitation.

A government source confirmed that while Mr Kenny is keen to make the trip towards the end of March, he must adhere to a formal process in which China extends an official invitation.

Only then will details of his trip be made public.

Mr Xi said he is confident the Taoiseach’s visit will deepen bi-lateral relations between the countries, which could boost future investment and lead to significant job creation.

“The Chinese government will continue to encourage investment in Ireland and we welcome more Irish companies to invest in China,” the Vice President went on.

“Irish business people are known for their hard work and enterprising spirit.”

He added that while Chinese investment in Ireland has been a late starter, it has been growing fast.

Meanwhile, Mr Kenny confirmed that Ireland and China had signed off on a number of deals in investment, business and education during Mr Xi’s three-day visit to Ireland.

The deals, involving Dublin-based fruit distributors Keelings, Mainstream Renewable Power and Shannon-based AerDragon Aviation Partners Limited, are expected to generate thousands of jobs for the Irish economy.

Chinese shareholders confirmed they will increase investment into the latter organisation, as part of a joint venture involving its sister company Dragon Aviation Leasing Company in Beijing.

Dragon Aviation chief executive Jean-Louis Chevrot welcomed the deal.

“With this commitment of our shareholders to the continued expansion of our venture, and with the support of prestigious partners, Dragon Aviation Leasing will be in a strong position to benefit from the fast-growing demand for aircraft in the Chinese and Asian markets,” said Mr Chevrot.

The Taoiseach pointed out that Ireland’s strong performance in the food, telecommunications, e-Learning, education and financial services sectors in particular are likely to benefit China, which is expected to be the world’s largest economy by 2025.

“I am convinced that we are on a firm pathway to ever deeper and stronger bilateral relations between our two countries,” he went on.

“More than 130 Irish companies now have offices in China, employing some 10,000 Chinese workers locally,” said Mr Kenny.

“Small or large, these companies are making an important contribution to the Chinese economy. To take just one example, building materials group CRH is supplying materials and technology for much of China’s major infrastructural development.”

He added that additional visits between Ireland and China are in the pipeline.

“There is an ongoing programme of trade and education missions as well as numerous reciprocal visits between Irish and Chinese Government Ministers, all of which are helping to build our relationship and the exchanges between our two countries,” he went on.

“For my own part, I very much welcome the opportunity to visit China next month following our meeting yesterday. I can assure you all that I will be delighted to play my part in enhancing trade and investment between Chinese and Irish companies.”

The forum, aimed at pushing more export growth for Ireland, was organised by government agency Enterprise Ireland, which supports Irish international trade and business.

Chief executive Frank Ryan said vice president Xi’s visit and hsi attendance at the forum served as a great opportunity for Ireland, which he described as onwards and upwards.

He told RTÉ that Ireland and China Enterprise Ireland, which currently has three offices in China, will be adding to its number of consultants there.

“This will give us better sector reach. People expect you to deliver on the ground, that’s the policy,” said Mr Ryan.