Dublin looks to Beijing for growth opportunities

20/02 19:36 CET

economy

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Ireland, the former Celtic Tiger has been hosting a probable future leader of the land of the dragon.

China’s vice president Xi Jinping visited a dairy farm on the latest leg of his world trade tour.

Ireland is keen to boost its exports to China and Beijing’s followed with interest Ireland’s transformation from a developing farming economy to one that has attracted international technology and drug companies, and is now showing the first signs of rebounding from the economic crash.

After meeting with Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Xi — who is tipped to become China’s next leader — attended a trade and investment forum in Dublin featuring 300 companies.

As well as promoting exports, Ireland is also looking for investment from China.

“Ireland and China have much to offer each other in food and agriculture, in high technology research and in investment. We should make every effort to realise that potential,” Kenny said in a speech welcoming Xi and his delegation.

Xi began his visit at a high tech zone near Shannon airport that inspired the building of a similar zone in Shenzhen, the pilot project of former leader Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms.

Xi’s trip began in the United States last week and heads to Turkey after Ireland.

More about: China, Chinese economy, Ireland, Irish economy

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