"This trade mission will offer Irish companies the opportunity to access the Chinese market at the highest level and will reinforce Ireland's commitment to working in partnership with China at Government and business levels" - Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Micheál Martin.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment will accompany the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, TD, on the largest ever trade mission to China and Hong Kong from 17 to 22 January 2005.  The trade mission is organised by Enterprise Ireland, which has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou and over 120 companies, including education institutions will travel.

Mary Coughlan, TD, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Hanafin, TD, Minister for Education and Science, Noel Dempsey, TD, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland will also accompany the Taoiseach.
 
Commenting, Minister Martin said: "The sheer size of the Chinese economy is generating exciting opportunities for ambitious Irish companies.  This trade mission will help Irish companies develop their business in China and investigate all elements of the market, including local competition and support infrastructure. Areas of particular potential for Irish companies identified by Enterprise Ireland include:

• Information Technology & Telecoms
• Education Services
• Environmental and Engineering Services
• Medical devices
• General electronics
• The power industry
• Food (particularly seafood) sectors

"Enterprise Ireland has been actively prospecting for business opportunities in China and Hong Kong with Irish companies over the last number of years and I expect that a number of significant business contracts will be completed over the course of the trade mission.  This trade mission will offer Irish companies the opportunity to access the Chinese market at the highest level and will reinforce Ireland's commitment to working in partnership with China at Government and business levels.  It will raise Ireland's profile as a world class supplier of goods and services and increase awareness of Ireland's Education system," Minister Martin concluded.

While in China, Minister Martin will meet with the Chinese Minister for Commerce Minister Bo Xilai, he will also attend business breakfasts hosted by Enterprise Ireland for visiting Irish companies and their Chinese / Hong Kong business partners.  The Minister will also address a round-table meeting on Software which will be attended by both Irish and Chinese participants.  
      
- ENDS -

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