13.1 Introduction
Historically, Ireland’s human and cultural links with Asia have been underdeveloped[i] The Irish Asia Strategy, launched in 1999, was designed to strengthen Ireland’s ties with Asian nations. Until 2004, the fundamental aim of the strategy involved outlining a series of challenging targets and objectives, with a view to increasing Ireland’s political, trade and investment connections with Asia. Several new embassies [ii] and consulates[iii] were founded in order to achieve this end, and there was a notable increase in trade-related and high-level political visits between Ireland and the continent. Efforts were also made to heighten awareness of the Irish national brand through a state-funded campaign. The first phase of the strategy resulted in the doubling of the average value of exports to China (2003–2005), compared to the trade statistics for the previous 3 years[iv]. Two-way trade between Pakistan and Ireland also increased: By 2006, exports to Pakistan were valued at € 67.8 million, and sales by Irish companies in Pakistan more than doubled over the last three years.[v] However according to the Irish Exporters Association’s (IEA) annual report, 2005 exports to Asia fell by 1% to € 6.6 billion, with exports to Thailand and South Korea falling the most. Exports to Japan remained fairly static during this period[vi]. What about India and other Asian nations? Why only mention these nations?
The second phase of the strategy (2005-2009) has been designed to encourage Irish foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asian countries, and vice versa. “The objective at this stage of the strategy is to intensify the wider range of interaction with the priority Asian countries and to encourage indigenous Irish companies to avail of business opportunities there”[vii]. Sectors such as education, tourism and R&D have been targeted as key sectors of the Irish economy where Ireland can attract investment from Japan, China, India, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. Enterprise Ireland’s 2002 report indicates a stark lack of awareness of Ireland inside Asia[viii]. To counteract this trend, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has established a new organization named Culture Ireland/Cultúr Éireann to promote awareness of Irish arts and artists abroad, as embedded in the second phrase of the Asia Strategy[ix]. Thus far, the success of phase two is difficult to judge. Exports to China and Hong Kong rose by 38%, while exports to the Philippines surged ahead with a 106% increase[x]. Following Japan[xi] and China, Singapore ranks as the third most important Asian market for Irish exports. The average value of Irish goods exported to Singapore per annum during the period 2003–2005 was € 792 million, up 25.9% on average annual exports in the previous three years, with the result that Singapore now accounts for 12% of total Irish exports to the Asian region[xii].

However in his 2007 article “Irish Trade Statistics: Policymakers opt for spin and delusion rather than confront challenging facts,” Michael Hennigan highlights that many of these trade statistics can be misleading. He illustrates his case regarding the aforementioned 106% rise in trade with Philippines, pointing out that “former US naval base north of Manila, at Subic Bay, is a major Asia-Pacific hub for FedEx, one of the world’s biggest airfreight companies. Therefore shipments from Irish-based multinationals to Subic likely have ultimate destinations elsewhere in the Region”[xiii]. He also points to the fact that “foreign-owned companies account for about 87% of total exports from Ireland”[xiv].
This raises some interesting questions: Who does the Irish-Asia Strategy serve? Is it designed to promote Irish companies in the Asian Market, or to retain foreign companies in Ireland by providing them with logistic and marketing support in Asia, thus allowing multi-national companies to operate in Ireland while competing in the Asian market? Should Ireland try to compete in Asia and gain market share in these emerging markets, or should Irish companies only enter these markets to benefit from low-cost labour intensive manufacturing?
In order to gain some insight into these topics and approach these questions, we will first closely examine Italy’s and Germany’s relations with arguably the most highly-profiled Asian market, China, and explore whether Ireland can learn any lessons from our European neighbours’ experiences. Both countries have enjoyed a long history of trade with China and both have dealt with China’s rise as a superpower in alternative ways; one cooperating with China in low-cost high-labour production through a lattice of industrial organisations; the other attempting to use China’s growth to increase its percentage share of the world market. China by no means represents Asia as a whole. Each country in Asia produces its own opportunities and challenges, but it would be beyond the scope of this paper to analyse Italian and German trade history with each country in Asia. China however does represent a wide range of the opportunities, as well as a variety of the challenges, which are  experienced by participating in business in Asia. And China clearly enjoys a very prominent position within the Irish Asia Strategy.

13.2 Italy-China Relations
Italy arguable provides one of the most interesting case studies when examining EU-Asia strategy strategies. Once known as the “Factory of Europe,” how has Italian policy dealt with the booming Chinese dragon, which threaten its very economic livelihood? In order to examine this question, we will focus in particular on China’s foreign relations with Italy, and we will see how Italy employs a starkly diverse strategy to that of Ireland.

13.2.1 Italy Reemerges from the Ashes in Industrial Style
Italy’s emergence from the post-war period during the 1950s and 1960s is considered one of the great economic miracles of that era. Many factors, including Italy’s adoption of a number of open, neoliberal policies in both agriculture and industry, its close relations with the US which fed the country monetary aid and its membership of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) from 1958 onwards, combined to bolster Italy’s economy and recreate a prosperous nation. Il miracolo economico lasted from 1958 to 1963 and saw Italy’s economy grow by circa 10% in 6 successive years. Although many European post-war nations went through such a phase of high-industrialisation during this period, Italy’s miracolo displayed some markedly unique characteristics: mass industrialisation of areas that had been prevalently rural, such as Toscana, Emilio and Veneto[xv] and an unprecedented development of special “industrial districts”; “geographically defined productive systems, characterised by a large number of firms that are involved at various stages and in various ways in the productions of a homogenous product. A significant feature is that a very high proportion of these firms are small or very small”[xvi]. This system generally contains an organisational head (usually in the form of a chamber or commerce or a leading firm within the district) and its structure promotes an industry-wide entrepreneurial mentality. The peninsula has given birth to hundreds of industrial districts over recent decades. Certain regions have become synonymous with certain products (e.g. Manzano is renowned for the manufacture of chairs, the Macerata/Ascoli Piceno area is known for its shoe production) ISTAT, Italy’s official statistical bureau, identified 191 official industrial districts and 686 local areas with specific industrial district pertaining to that area in its 2001 census,[xvii]. Italy’s vast, skilled and cheap workforce, combined with its new efficient industrial district model, associated with low-tech, medium-high quality goods, led Italy to become regarded as “The Factory of Europe.”
However Italy’s rapid growth in manufacturing alone proved unsustainable. The unprecedented development of the eastern tigers of Taiwan and South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s, and of China, Vietnam and others in the late 1980s and 1990s proved detrimental to Italy’s industry. Cheap, mass labour in these emerging nations deflected investment away from Italy, which could not compete with “race to bottom” prices. This has influenced many countries’ relations with Asia, but the flaws of Italy’s industrial districts, once admired for their flexible and efficient production, became exposed: placing an entire region’s production into one basket is risky. As industrial districts were hardest hit by eastern growth, we will see that these industrial zones, represented by their chambers’ of commerce, dictate Italy’s foreign relations with Asia, rather than the government (as in Ireland) or individual companies (as in Germany). We will now take a closer look at Italy’s China strategy in order to examine this point more thoroughly.

13.2.2 Italy’s China Strategy
Sino-Italian relations date back to the second century BC, albeit from afar until Marco Polo’s published works in 1299 bridged the gap. Within one century, silk and goods were traded regularly between the two ancient empires, thus initiating an enduring bilateral rapport. In modern times, official relations between Italy and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) began on 6 November 1970[xviii]. Italy was one of the first European countries to recognise China as a country. Italy had the biggest Communist party in Western Europe at that time. Relations between the nations have been mainly concerned with commerce. Since 1970, Italy and China have signed over 100 bilateral agreements. Amongst these accords, economics and commerce take clear precedence, encompassing over 50% of the deals. Agreements on science and technology follow, trailed by pacts regarding culture, politics and other matters[xix]. Thus far, the Italian government has tended to maintain a policy of non-interference regarding China’s internal affairs. What, then, drives Italy-China bilateral relations?
China’s emergence as “The Factory of the World” is considered the economic miracle of the modern era. Numerous factors including a vast, cheap labour force, improved physical and technical infrastructure and political and economic policies more conducive to international trade paved the way for this unprecedented development. The emergence of its formidable manufacturing sector has caused great animosity between China and its trading partners, as other countries struggle to compete with both the competitive and comparative advantages that China offers. Italy is no different, and many of Italy’s industrial districts in particular have declined since the emergence of China as a manufacturing superpower. In recent years, we have also seen the creation of Chinese industrial districts[xx]. Once the powerhouse behind Italian manufacture, the Chinese have imitated this structure (as well as the goods that it produces), adapting it to many of its own industries, including some of those that compete directly with Italian industries (e.g. the chair district in Anji, the footwear district in Wenzhou, the textile district in Guangzhou). We can now see the creation of Chinese goods that almost equal Italian quality, but at a fraction of the price. This is crippling the manufacturing sector in Italy, leading to falling revenues and lay-offs throughout the industrial sector. Productivity as a whole is waning and “since 1999, the economy has shrunk by 4%,”.[xxi]

13.2.3 “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”
In order to counteract the distressing effects China’s emerging economy has had, Italy’s  industrial districts have employed an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” strategy. While at home high-quality brand names, many of the leading firms in the Italian industrial districts have upped and relocated to China to take advantage of the cheaper labour and material costs. Other firms are buying out Chinese manufacturers (e.g. Luxottica, the leading firm in Veneto’s optics industrial district, recently bought out Shanghai-run Modern Sight Optics). More significant however has been the emergence of a number of initiatives and trade associations, founded and run by the industrial districts and set up in order to boost relations and trade between the two countries. One such organisation is the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce[xxii]. This organisation liaises between Italian and Chinese firms, arranges partnerships and trade fairs for mutual participation and benefit and offers Italian firms market information in China. Many other industry specific bilateral trade associations also exist. The construction of such associations has also led to a further new development: the creation of design and R&D centres in Italy on behalf of Chinese manufacturers, for example Geox and Red Dragon Fly, both leading manufacturers in the Wenzhou Shoe Industrial district, have established training and design centres in Italy. As such, the Italian industries are beginning to capitalise on aspects where they can out-perform the Chinese: innovation and design. This is becoming a common feature amongst the leading firms in numerous Chinese industrial districts. Trade is growing annually in both directions. ISTAT states that between 2000 and 2005, the value of the commercial exchange flows between Italy and China doubled, with an increase of 101.1% for imports and 93.5% for exports[xxiii] the importance of China as a trading partner has grown. In 2005, a total of 1.6% of all Italy’s exports went to China. That figure comprises 3.8% of exports with extra-EU countries[xxiv]. In 2007, Italian exports to China climbed 11.9% over 2006 statistics. In the same year, Italian imports from China jumped 25.1%. This increased level of trade would not have been possible without the organisation and support of the newly established trade associations. What about cheap Chinese labor being enslaved in Chinese run sweatshops in Italy these days?

The culmination of Italy-China relations thus far led to “The Year 2006 of Italy in China,” arranged due to the acceleration of relations between the two countries. This year-long celebration consisted of a wide variety of cultural and trade events throughout the year, demonstrating the mutual respect each country has for the development and gains created through trade. Although Italy has lost much, due to the onslaught of globalisation, Italian industry is beginning to push its own trade agenda and strategies, driven by its industrial districts and associations, in China and elsewhere.
Italy-China relations have thus far been heavily trade based. However, the signing of a bilateral defence accord in 2005, and the sale of arms from Italy to China, could prove to be a break in what we have seen so far. These proceedings indicate a shift from trade-orientated relations to political-orientated relations. As China emerges as a global superpower, it remains to be seen how Italy will deal with this challenge in terms of strategy and policy.

13.3. German-China Relations
German-Chinese relations have been characterized by economic fascination from their very beginnings. This assumption does not only apply to contemporary relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the People’s Republic of China. In the 19th century German missionaries and merchants travelled to China long before diplomatic relations were officially installed. Prussia regarded imperial influence and economic benefits in Asia as a prestigious project and thus decided to promote private business interests in the Middle Kingdom.

13.3.1 A stable course of trade promotion
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the number of politicians who envisaged an opportunity for growth of the domestic economy and business in China, rather than a communist threat, increased rapidly. German Chancellors Helmut Kohl (1982–1998) and Gerhard Schröder (1998–2005) were seen as the “door openers for German business” in the People’s Republic. Since bilateral relations had recovered from the consequences of the Tian’anmen massacre in 1989, economic forces have become the dominant factor of Sino-German policy. It is widely known that nongovernmental domestic actors (i.e. business representatives) influence China policy significantly. The Kohl government developed an Asia strategy in 1993 that was fundamentally a business-focused China concept with a few references to the rest of Asia Pacific. In the same year the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA) was founded by the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) with governmental support. Fearing exclusion from China’s rise and the increasing prosperous dynamics of the region, the original Asia concept underwent a serious makeover, under the chancellorship of Gerhard Schröder in 2001/2002[xxv]. Three concepts were designed to address different regions within Asia. Influenced by the post 9/11 situation, the new Regional Concept for East Asia emphasized the importance of security, development and human rights issues vis-à-vis economic goals. However, the true value of the concept can be disputed, although it served as a framework for various initiatives and campaigns developed by individual federal ministries in cooperation with the Chancellery and/or NGOs. One outstanding project is the German-Chinese Rule of Law Dialogue. This was initiated in 1999 as Chancellor Schröder and his Chinese counterpart, Premier Zhu Rongji agreed upon a closer bilateral cooperation, as China was facing WTO accession. Although mainly concerned with the legal aspects of business and administration, it was extended to include a human rights dimension. Further examples of bilateral cooperation are the Environmental Forum and the Dialogue on High Technology.

But all these initiatives and strategy papers could not dismantle the elementary conflict in Germany’s policy towards the People’s Republic of China: if, and how to reconcile the normative imperative of the German Constitution to advance Human Rights and Democratisation with the incentives set by China’s fantastic economic rise. Consequently, the behaviour of leading German politicians oscillated between cheap salesmanship and over-ambitious human rights activism. Critics have frequently highlighted that the German-Chinese Rule of Law Dialogue only served the objective of placing human rights issues on a less prominent diplomatic track while business interests and trade promotion remained the Chancellor’s priorities. Initially, when the Red-Green government came into power in 1998, first indications pointed to a strong affinity towards human rights activism. But after NATO aircraft accidentally dropped bombs on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Schröder had to dedicate his first state visit in Beijing to crisis management, and became an admirer of China’s fast-track modernization soon after. Thus, Red-Green policy towards China soon degenerated back into trade promotion with some fig leaf support for societal co-operation. Surprisingly, neither the Christian Democrats under Helmut Kohl nor the Social Democrats under Gerhard Schröder had been willing or able to promote human rights as strongly as they promoted foreign trade. For both chancellorships, it is obvious that nongovernmental actors (i.e. business advocates) exercised significant influence on governmental China policy. The former CEO of Siemens, Heinrich von Pierer, served as a government consultant for both Chancellors. Von Pierer – whose corporation has gathered Chinese experience and expertise since the late 19th century – along with other representatives of German based transnational companies (e.g. BASF, Volkswagen) have always been part of chancellors’ delegations when visiting China. The accumulated power of the Asia-directed business lobby in Germany is represented by the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business. Its seminal role does not solely derive from the financial power and the lobbying experience of its member institutions, but also from the reputation of the association’s first chairman, Heinrich von Pierer.

13.3.2 From nuances to discontinuity
Enter the new Bundeskanzlerin. In 2005 Angela Merkel became Germany’s first female Chancellor. Heading a Grand Coalition of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, little change was expected concerning China policy. However, 2006 brought significant changes to German-China policy. Von Pierer stepped down as the APA’s chairman and Angela Merkel prepared for her first state visit to China. Merkel’s trip to Beijing in May 2006 pushed expectations to new heights after winning public approval for her elegant handling of sensitive issues when visiting George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin. Open indiscretions of her entourage indicated the new Chancellorette was not about to ignore disputes and the issue of China’s authoritarian policies, but to make the best possible use of the firm fundament of bilateral relations by approaching the Chinese Leadership in a more open and down-to-earth style. Obviously, the announcement that Merkel was going to meet with dissident social researchers Chen Guidi and Wu Chuntao, and with the Shanghai archbishop Aloysius Jin sufficed to disconcert the Chinese leadership. In 2007 Merkel went even further. She received the Dalai Lama at the Chancellery and conducted private talks with the spiritual Tibetan leader. This meeting with the Dalai Lama – who is regarded as a separatist by the Chinese government – was in significant contrast to the official ‘One-China-Policy’ and Germany’s traditional stance of trade promotion.

13.3.3 Change through policy entrepreneurship
In the late 1980s Nancy C. Roberts and Paula J. King specified the work on political Entrepreneurship[xxvi]. A policy entrepreneur, in general, was seen as an actor who introduces innovation to the public sphere, someone who generates, translates and implements new ideas. If this individual is an elected government leader he or she is called a political entrepreneur. If someone outside the formal governmental system has their innovative ideas implemented they are known as policy entrepreneurs. Thus, it can be stated that Angela Merkel – as a political entrepreneur – has brought significant change to the bilateral German-Chinese relations resulting in growing discontinuity and tensions between her Foreign Minister, Social Democrat Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The times when policy entrepreneurs from the business sector (such as Heinrich von Pierer) influenced government policy are not necessarily over. Nonetheless, a shift from a business-driven China policy to a more emancipated advocacy which confronts human rights has become obvious throughout Angela Merkel’s chancellorship thus far. In 2006 her firm insistence on human rights issues could have been downplayed as a minor change in policy, a nuance. In 2007 Ms Merkel proved how serious she is about dealing with China when she actively upset Beijing by meeting with the Dalai Lama. As a consequence the Chinese decided not to attend the 2007 symposium of the Rule of Law Dialogue in Munich. So far, a more open and confrontative attitude towards the Chinese leadership has not inflicted any harm on the bilateral economic exchange. A pragmatic approach indicates that neither China nor Germany will eventually risk mutual economic benefits on the long run. But Ms Merkel’s gestures have definitely upset Beijing. Whether or not this new emancipated German policy will be accepted by Beijing or – in the worst case – bring China’s focus to other European partner’s remains to be seen.

13.4. Ireland-China Relations
Where is the link with the Strategy / Ireland’s China policy?
Sino-Irish relations have enjoyed smooth progress since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in June 1976[xxvii]. China has become incrementally more important to Ireland in recent years, not merely due to the economic rise of China as a superpower, but also due to the rapidly growing Chinese community in Ireland. During a speech given at Tsinghua University, Beijing, An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD stated, “After my visit in 1998, I authorized the elaboration of an Asia Strategy, with a particular focus on China.”[xxviii]

13.4.1 Sino-Irish Trade
By 2001 figures indicated that trade between Ireland and China has grown significantly stronger since the Asia Strategy launch. In 2000, exports from Ireland to China showed a 40% increase on 1999 figures, and imports showed an increase of 37% since 1999. China, including Hong Kong, was Ireland’s 13th largest export market in 2000, and eighth largest source of imports[xxix]. Some groups, such as Finfacts, an online Irish business magazine, claim that “foreign-owned companies in Ireland have been responsible for most of the increase in trade with China and decisions regarding the destination of their exports are generally not made in Ireland. It simply has little to do with the ‘Asia Pacific’ strategy,”[xxx]. However, China lies on op of Ireland’s agenda regarding the development of opportunities in Asia. Enterprise Ireland’s 2002 report claimed that “in the past four years, there has been a significant growth in the number of Irish companies that are visiting, doing business and have representation in China,”[xxxi]. They highlight a number of opportunity sectors for Irish companies including software, telecommunications, aviation services, process control and instrumentation, electronics and engineering, food and food ingredients, as well as international consultancy and services in areas ranging from education and training to international finance[xxxii]. Both governments have worked together in an attempt to encourage growth between the two countries. In 2005 a number of bilateral agreements were signed by the states, including Inspection and Quarantine of the PRC and the Department of Agriculture and Food of Ireland on Veterinary and Health Requirement for pork to be exported from Ireland to the PRC; the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Software between the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and the Department of Industry, Trade and Employment of Ireland; the agreement on Cooperation between National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Science Foundation of Ireland; and the Agreement of Cooperation between the China Council for the Promotion of international Trade and the China Chamber of International Commerce and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland. The two education ministries also signed the Joint Declaration on Mutual recognition of Academic degrees in Higher Education[xxxiii]. These agreements have helped foster an environment where both countries can benefit from investment in software, education, culture, environmental, protection, tourism and services[xxxiv].

The result has been a growth in Irish companies doing business in China. Building materials giant CRH have bought a 26% stake in Jilin Yatai Cement, a company located in northwestern China. CRH is the only foreign-owned cement company in the region[xxxv] Airtricity, the wind farm group, have made inroads into China after becoming China’s first foreign renewable energy company. It now produces 10,000 MW of energy per annum, with a further 7,000 MW to come on line shortly[xxxvi]. Bord Bia has also highlighted the success of dairy products, for which China has surpassed Japan as Ireland’s most important export market in Asia. Currently Ireland’s dairy exports to China are valued at € 40 million per year[xxxvii]. China’s market for dairy products is predicted to double in value to € 25 billion by 2010, and Ireland hopes to create a strong market share here. Aidan Cotter, CEO of Bord Bia claims, “As a major producer and exporter, Ireland is well positioned to supply China’s growing demand. The Chinese Government has a stated aim of encouraging the consumption of dairy products and we are keen to work to meet this demand. Ireland is a highly developed supplier of dairy products which are solutions orientated. We can and will be the ‘successful ingredient’ for the Chinese market”[xxxviii]. Domestic heating giants Glen Dimplex, property developers Treasury, mobile software developer Puca, Industrial diamond processor Element Six and online recruitment agents Shanghaijobs.cn have also been hailed as Irish success stories in China. These enterprising Irish companies have helped to fulfil Minister Martin’s image of “Ireland’s knowledge-based economy, built on innovation and technology, which are substantially shaped by the emergence of strong technology-led and export-focused Irish companies.” Speaking at the China Focus conference held at University College Cork in 2006, Martin said that these Irish companies “have become world leaders in their respective industries.”

13.4.2 Ireland vs. China: Attaching FDI
Irish companies have gained ground on creating a market share in China. However one of the major fears is that many of the multinationals located in Ireland will move production to China, taking with them jobs and investments, which are needed to sustain the Irish economy. FDI flows into Ireland have decreased each year for the past 3 years. This was particularly worrying as global FDI flows had increased by one third in 2006, rising to an all-time high of US$ 1.23 trillion[xxxix]. FDI inflows to South, East, and South-East Asia, including Oceania, reached a new high of US$ 165 billion in 2005, a 19% increase over 2004. According to UNCTAD’s report, China was again the largest recipient of FDI in the region[xl]. Groups such as Finfact have tried to link the loss of 32,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector in recent years, with a surge in the focus of multinationals on China and India[xli]. However, there is no overwhelming evidence to suggest that there has been a large loss of FDI generated jobs in Ireland, and even less proof that these jobs have been lost to China. However Asia is increasingly attracting “high-quality” FDI aimed at high value-added and knowledge-intensive activities. Companies such as Intel have been expanding assembly and testing facilities in China and Malaysia. A more worrying trend is developing where Irish domestic manufacture have moved their production bases to China, as well as other East Asia states. This trend has been encouraged by the Irish Exporters Association, who state that they will “assist…Irish companies to move their low value added manufacturing to China. The establishment of outsourcing partnerships can help Irish companies remain competitive as Irish industry moves up the value chain.”[xlii]. Although this is a very clever way of counteracting the affects of the growing cost of doing business in Ireland the result will be a sizable lost of employment, which will have long-terms consequences on the
Irish economy.

13.4.3 The Growth of the Irish Education and Tourism Industries in Asia
As a small island nation, Ireland has a long tradition in the education and training of international students. In the golden era of Irish monastic settlements, scholars came to study in Ireland from all over Europe[xliii]. In modern times Ireland has attempted to become a high-tech, business-friendly country with competitive and innovative companies. For this to become a reality Ireland must attract world–class graduates. Education is one of the main forms of Chinese investment in Ireland. The Chinese Embassy estimates that there are approximately 30,000 Chinese people in Ireland, 3,000 of which are students studying in many different types of third level institutions[xliv]. However, population estimates using work permits, visa data and residency figures puts the Chinese immigrant population at about 60,000 members[xlv]. Estimates in the media have ranged from 60,000 to 120,000. These figures are clearly inflated, but demonstrate the lack of knowledge surrounding the Chinese community in Ireland. A significant percentage of the community is students. The Garda National Immigration Bureau recorded 31,338 student visas in 2004, of which 15,933 were issued to students coming from China[xlvi]. “Chinese students with a postgraduate qualification are likely to be high calibre researchers…They can normally complete their PhD in less than three and a half years, with four to eight peer-reviewed papers published in international scientific journals,”[xlvii]. Irish colleges and universities are now finding it more and more difficult to facilitate the increasing number of Chinese students studying in Ireland and to retain the current high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate students on completion of their studies. Sun points out “because of all the difficulties they encounter, Chinese postgraduate students often leave Ireland and move to Canada, the USA or the UK when they finish their studies. Some students even leave without finishing their courses or research. The experience of the last few years in the Departments of Civil Engineering and Agricultural and Food Engineering in Earl’s Fort Terrace (UCD), is that two of our postgraduates have gone back to China, four have emigrated to Canada, one went to the USA and one is now in the UK”[xlviii].

Visas are considered to be the biggest problem for Chinese people’s development in Ireland, and were the cause of the majority of the problems[xlix]. Many students choose to study in Ireland because Ireland is an English speaking country, and entries-visa and tuition fees are relatively cheaper than in the UK and US[l]. However once in Ireland, most Chinese students experience problems with their visa at some stage during their stay. “Problems may arise as a result of students not knowing about the registration process, having insufficient money in their bank account, or not yet having a permanent address at the time of registration. Sometimes students don’t receive their ‘Green Book’ and sometimes they forget to extend the residence period at the appropriate time”[li].

After students come to Ireland, they must register with the Immigration Office to get a one-year residential permit to live in Ireland, and they must renew this permit every year. Nowadays even registering with the office is a difficult task. Students must get up at 5 o’clock or earlier to join the queue outside the Immigration Office[lii]. Students who want to make the most of their time in Ireland often want to use college holidays to travel in Europe. “Getting visas can be difficult: Chinese students do have a hard time getting visas for certain countries… it can sometimes take up to six or eight weeks… a re-entry visa is also required to return to Ireland,”[liii]. Re-entry visas can cost up to € 100 and are an unnecessary cost as a Garda immigration card should provide enough proof that a student holds a valid Irish visa. “Students will have to go abroad for conferences or holidays, or they have an urgent reason to return to China near the expiry date of the permit. They must have a re-entry visa to come back to Ireland to continue their studies, and a re-entry visa will not be issued near to the expiry date of the residence permit. In this situation, students cannot go abroad, no matter how urgent the situation is. Otherwise, they will have to apply for a re-entry visa in a third country and the very lengthy visa application process begins again”[liv].
Chinese Students also have problems arranging visas for their families or spouse. “Generally speaking, it is impossible to arrange for students’ wives or husbands to join them in Ireland, as almost all visa applications of this kind seem to be automatically refused. Although it is possible to get a short-stay visiting visa, this kind of visa is not renewable,”[lv]. This makes it socially difficult for Chinese students to stay in Ireland, and may become a barrier for potential Chinese students if the visa problem becomes common knowledge in China.
The Irish visa system also becomes a problem when Irish universities attempt to retain top graduate students from China. The immigration status severely limits Chinese people’s freedom. They cannot apply for jobs freely because of the work permit system[lvi]. “Feeling foreign” is also institutionally radicalised and enforced. For example, Ying Yun Wang found in her research that members of the Chinese community in Ireland felt they do not have the same freedom in applying for jobs as other foreigners, as they are from outside the EU,[lvii]. She suggests that those who have studied here for over three years and have completed a third level degree should be able to remain on a professional working visa to gain work experience and contribute to the Irish economy[lviii].
Visa difficulties are not only a problem for students: Chinese business people also face similar problems. Commercial workers wishing to travel to Europe to do business will often try to take in a number of European countries in the same trip. To travel to Ireland during this voyage, they are required to obtain an extra visa, as Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. The extra expenditure in terms of money and time caused by Ireland’s visa system will add to the already high-cost of doing business in Ireland. A similar barrier acts as an impediment for the growth of tourism from China to Ireland, an area the Asia Strategy is hoping to develop.

13.4.4 The Need for a Closer Cultural Relationship
“Fostering a better understanding of Asia and its peoples is important to the development of sound economic and trading relationships”[lix]. There is a lack of awareness of Irish culture in China. Many Chinese people have little knowledge of Ireland often confusing it with Iceland or simply considering it a part of the UK. One of the Chinese students interviewed by Ying Yun Wang stated, “I had no idea about Ireland. I only knew that in Ireland it rains a lot and Irish people speak English”[lx]. This creates a problem when trying to market Irish products, as they will be stigmatized as a UK product and their unique selling points will be lost. The government has made some efforts to create an awareness of Irish culture in China by setting up a new organization, Culture Ireland/Cultúr Éireann, to promote awareness of Irish art and artists abroad, through the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism[lxi]. Irish business people have also played their part in promoting Irish culture in Asia, and in China in particular. The Asian GAA Games held in Shanghai and Asia-Pacific Ireland Business Forum in Singapore were notable efforts by the Irish business community to increase the awareness of Ireland in Asia. Former Tánaiste and chairman of Fexco and Altobridge, Dick Spring stated “the real value in this forum is that there are very few of us [Irish business people] in contact with half the world’s population in Asia, so you’ve got to maximise your resources. There is a huge resource of experience here in Asia across a spread of categories”[lxii]. These events help pool together the knowledge and experience of the Irish community in Asia and aim to raise Ireland’s profile in Asia. Although knowledge of Ireland among the Chinese public is still far from the acceptable levels that would be needed for the successful development of Irish products, it seems that positive steps have been taken to change that situation.

While there is generally a good knowledge and awareness of China amongst the Irish public, there is a severe lack of in-depth knowledge of the Chinese language or culture. Few Asian languages are offered by third-level education in Ireland, with Japanese being the only Asian language offered at second level. In recent years the government has made efforts to improve this situation by opening the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies (IICS), which consists of two sisters institutes; one located in University College Cork the other in University College Dublin. The IICS has been established to provide Chinese language opportunities and cultural training for students of Irish universities. It is hoped that these institutes will produce Irish students who can help Irish companies gain great market share in China and raise the general awareness of China in Ireland. Plans are already in place for the establishment of an Institute of Asian Affairs by the Irish Government[lxiii], which will produce students with the skills required to work in different Asian markets. However the success of these institutes will be basic, not only in producing students with the necessary languages, but also producing research which will be useful in achieving the goals of the Government’s Asia Strategy and which will provide valuable information for Irish companies operating in China and other Asian countries.

13.4.5 What Ireland can Learn?
Again, you might want to concentrate on three or four basic dilemmas/ areas/ issues to draw the comparison?!

Both Germany and Italy have enjoyed a long history of interaction with China. Both have also been heavily involved in China since before Deng Xiaoping’s modernisation. However Germany and Italy dealt with China’s rise in very different ways. Italy initially attempted to compete with China in terms of labour intensive manufacturing, but in the end they began to employ an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” strategy, which involved moving some of their low value added manufacturing to China while co-operating with the Chinese through trade organisations, and exploiting their own competitive advantages in innovation, design and R&D in Italy. This has been driven by industries represented by chambers of commerce and entire industrial districts. However, the result has involved the closure of many plants in Italy’s industrial districts and the loss of employment in these areas. Of course many design and R&D jobs have been created in their stead. Nevertheless, far less people are employed in R&D and, as Chinese companies hope to develop and expand their own R&D departments for high-quality goods in time, it is unclear how long Italian R&D will remain viable. On the other hand German’s China policy has been driven by nongovernmental domestic actors (i.e. business representatives) who have influenced Germany’s China policy. Large German companies influenced early German foreign policy in such a way that it allowed access to China’s market, both in terms of selling products to the Chinese market and setting up Sino-German joint-ventures and moving low value added manufacturing to China. This has allowed German companies to become major players in the Chinese market. However, for this strategy to be successful it requires both government and business to work in tandem. If the German government begins to prioritize human rights, Tibetan independence and Taiwanese secession over fostering a good business relationship with China, then German companies may experience a colder climate in the Chinese marketplace. Sino-Irish relations, however, have been strongly driven by bilateral governmental exchanges rather than by large businesses wishing to expand into China, or small and medium businesses and trade associations, which fear the rise of China may drive them out of business.

The long history of relations between China and both countries has left a general awareness of German and Italian culture or national  imagine/brand in the Chinese market place. This gives these countries a distinct advantage in the Chinese market: Products from Germany are considered to be well-engineered and highly efficient, while Italian products are considered to be stylish and well-designed. Ireland does not have this historical legacy with China. British rule in Ireland until 1922, successive Irish governments with an anti-communists mindset and a lack of interaction with PRC during the early years of the reform era has ensured low levels of awareness of the Irish national brand in China. In turn this has created a situation where this national brand is often associated with the British national brand. Both Germany and Italy have taken steps in order to ensure their products remain in the public eye in China. However having a high-profile can also be a mixed bag: Italy took positive steps with the Year of Italy in China, which helped maintain Italy’s high profile in China. On the contrary, German chancellor Angela Merkel’s meeting with the Dalai Lama may have damaged Germany’s profile in China. A positive national brand is particularly important in sectors such as education and tourism, which have been highlighted as key sectors in the Irish Government’s Asia Strategy, as these sectors rely heavily on people’s perceptions of the quality of the product they are purchasing.

13.5 Recommendations
Having scrutinized the problems concerning Ireland’s existing Asia Strategy, and having examined the experiences of our European neighbours’ relations with China, we now recommend that the following steps be undertaken to improve Ireland’s relations with Asian nations:
– An overhaul of the Irish visa system to allow Chinese students and businessmen easier transit to and from Ireland and continental Europe. The abolishment of the re-entry visa would be a necessary part of that reform.
– The creation of greater incentives for high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate students from Asia to stay in Ireland in order to help create and sustain a knowledge-based economy in Ireland.
– A heightening of awareness of Ireland and Irish culture in China, as well as other Asian countries, must become a top priority for Ireland’s governmental departments of trade and enterprise, foreign affairs, and arts and culture.
– An increase in the number of students with the skills required to work in the Asian market, which would help fulfil the government’s Asia Strategy. An Institute of Asian Affairs would be needed if these students were to be produced. This institute would be required to produce research that will help the Irish economy benefit from Asia’s rise.

NOTES
[i] Ahern D, 2007, Asia as a global player: regional and international opportunities and expectations. Irish Studies in International Affairs, (2007), Vol. 18, pg 160.
[ii] Hanoi and Singapore.
[iii] Shanghai and Sydney.
[iv] Ahern D, 2007, Asia as a global player: regional and international opportunities and expectations. Irish Studies in International Affairs, (2007), Vol. 18, pg 160.
[v] Irish Exporters Association, , First Irish Trade Mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Irish Exporters Association, (2006) http://www.irishexporters.ie/pakistanpressrelease.shtml
[vi] IEA, Annual Report 2005, Irish Exporters Association, (2005).http://www.irishexporters.ie/artman_new/uploads/iea_annual_report.pdf
[vii] Ahern D, 2007, Asia as a global player: regional and international opportunities and expectations. Irish Studies in International Affairs, (2007), Vol. 18, pg 160.
[viii] Enterprise Ireland, 2002, Enterprise Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2002, International Sales, Enterprise Ireland. http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/NR/rdonlyres/7A9EE1CF-AB8C-4B61-B268-ECE9877A716A/0/AR2002part5.PDF
[ix] DETE, A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999-2009, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2001) pg13, http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/uploads/documents/asia%20strategy.pdf
[x] Hennigan, Minister Martin’s delusional “Asia Strategy” Finfacts Ireland Blog Sunday, June 24, 2007, http://www.finfacts.ie/finfactsblog/2007/06/minister-martins-delusional-asia.html
[xi] In the period 2003–2005, the Japanese market accounted for more than a third of all Irish exports to Asia.
[xii] IBEC, IBEC Report proposes four point plan to boost export trade with Asia, IBEC Trade News Specialist Publications, The Irish Business and Employers Confederation, 2006.
[xiii] Hennigan, Minister Martin’s delusional “Asia Strategy” Finfacts Ireland Blog Sunday, June 24, 2007, http://www.finfacts.ie/finfactsblog/2007/06/minister-martins-delusional-asia.html
[xiv] Hennigan, Minister Martin’s delusional “Asia Strategy” Finfacts Ireland Blog Sunday, June 24 2007, http://www.finfacts.ie/finfactsblog/2007/06/minister-martins-delusional-asia.html
[xv] Pyke, F., G. Beccattini and W. Sengenberger (eds.) Industrial Districts and Interfirm Cooperation in Italy, International Institute for Labour studies, (1990) Geneva.
[xvi] Pyke, F., G. Beccattini and W. Sengenberger (eds.) Industrial Districts and Interfirm Cooperation in Italy, International Institute for Labour studies, (1990) Geneva.
[xvii] ISTAT. I distretti industriali. Censimento 2001. 16 December 2005 http://www.istat.it/salastampa/comunicati/non_calendario/20051216_00/
[xviii] Xinhua, Major Events in China-Italy Relations, Xinhua Newspaper, 7 May 2004. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/07/content_1454886.htm
[xix] Ambasciata d’Italia a Pechino (Italian Embassy to Beijing). “Principali accordi in vigour”. http://www.ambpechino.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Pechino/Menu/I_rapporti_bilaterali/Cooperazione_politica/Accordi/
[xx] Cody Deirdre, 2007, The Adaptation and Advancement of the International Industrial District Model in Wenzhou. A Case Study of the Footwear Industry, University of Lund.
[xxi] Siragusa, Massimo. Twilight in Italy, Time Magazine, 26 March 2006.
[xxii] Italy-China Chamber of Commerce. Camera di Commercio Italiana in Cina. http://www.cameraitacina.com/index.php?nav0=101
[xxiii] ISTAT. Commercio estero dell’Italia verso la Cina. 25 September 2006. http://www.istat.it/salastampa/comunicati/non_calendario/20060925_00/
[xxiv] ISTAT. Commercio estero dell’Italia verso la Cina. 25 September 2006. http://www.istat.it/salastampa/comunicati/non_calendario/20060925_00/
[xxv] Gottwald JC, Business As Usual; Red-Green Policies toward Pacific Asia in Maul, H.W.(ed), Germany’s Uncertain Power, Foreign Policy of the Berlin Republic, (2006), pg 249
[xxvi] Roberts NC. And King PJ, Policy Entrepreneurs: Their Activity Structure and Function in the policy Process, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Vol 1, No. 2 (1991) 147-175.
[xxvii] Du Qiwen,(ed) China’s Foreign Affairs 2006, Department of policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peoples Republic of China (2006), pg 192.
[xxviii] Ahern B, “Ireland & China: Friendship and Cooperation” Speech by An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern TD at Tsinghua University , Beijing Tuesday, 18 January (2005). http://www.embassyofireland.cn/Ireland/Political/Speech2.htm
[xxix] People’s Daily Online, Irish Premier: Ties With China Are Excellent (2001). http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200109/01/eng20010901_79081.html
[xxx] Finfacts Team, IRISH, Irish Exporters’ Association lauds Government’s Asia-Pacific strategy but most exports from Ireland to Asia have nothing to do with it, Finfacts, (2007), http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_1010955.shtml
[xxxi] Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Irelands Report and Accounts 2002 Report, Enterprise Ireland 2003, pg 53.
[xxxii] Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Irelands Report and Accounts 2002 Report, Enterprise Ireland 2003, pg 53.
[xxxiii] Du Qiwen,(ed) China’s Foreign Affairs 2006, Department of policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peoples Republic of China (2006), pg 192.
[xxxiv] Du Qiwen,(ed) China’s Foreign Affairs 2006, Department of policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peoples Republic of China (2006), pg 193.
[xxxv] Brennan J, 2008, Tigers entering The Dragon Lair, Irish Independent 7th of February.
[xxxvi] Brennan J, 2008, Tigers entering The Dragon Lair, Irish Independent 7th of February.
[xxxvii] O’Shaughnessy R, China major focus for Irish exports, Bord Bia address Shanghai conference today, Corporate Communications Bord Bia Wednesday, March 28th, (2007). http://www.bordbia.ie/go/Corporate/Press/Press_Releases/2007/28-mar-china.html
[xxxviii] O’Shaughnessy R, China major focus for Irish exports, Bord Bia address Shanghai conference today, Corporate Communications Bord Bia Wednesday, March 28th, (2007). http://www.bordbia.ie/go/Corporate/Press/Press_Releases/2007/28-mar-china.html
[xxxix] Irish exporters Association, Annual Report 2005, Irish exporters Association, (2005). http://www.irishexporters.ie/artman_new/uploads/iea_annual_report.pdf
[xl] UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2006, United Nations Conference on trade and Development, 2006.
[xli] Finfacts Team, IRISH, Irish Exporters’ Association lauds Government’s Asia-Pacific strategy but most exports from Ireland to Asia have nothing to do with it, Finfacts, (2007). http://www.finfacts.com/irelandbusinessnews/publish/article_1010955.shtml
[xlii] Irish exporters Association, Annual Report 2003, Irish exporters Association (2004) pg 53. http://www.irishexporters.ie/artman_new/uploads/iea_annual_report.pdf
[xliii] Woods, Michael, Seminar Opening Address, in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January Irish Council For International Students (2001 ) pg 10.
[xliv] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 18, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[xlv] Gilmartin, M. ‘The Same but Different’ Irish Times, (2006) pp. 3.
[xlvi] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 18, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[xlvii] Da-Wen Sun, Chinese Postgraduates in Ireland: advantages, disadvantages and difficulties in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January, Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 35.
[xlviii] Da-Wen Sun, Chinese Postgraduates in Ireland: advantages, disadvantages and difficulties in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 37.
[xlix] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 53, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[l] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 24, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[li] Kelly L, Chinese Students at Dublin Business School: some issues and questions Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 27.
[lii] Da-Wen Sun, Chinese Postgraduates in Ireland: advantages, disadvantages and difficulties in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 37.
[liii] Kelly L, Chinese Students at Dublin Business School: some issues and questions Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 28.
[liv] Da-Wen Sun, Chinese Postgraduates in Ireland: advantages, disadvantages and difficulties in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 37.
[lv] Da-Wen Sun, Chinese Postgraduates in Ireland: advantages, disadvantages and difficulties in Wendy Cox and David Cameron, Chinese Students in Ireland: New Opportunities, New Needs, New Challenges, Papers from the ICOS Seminar 26 January 2001 Irish Council For International Students (2001) pg 37.
[lvi] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 36, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[lvii] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 36, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[lviii] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 54, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[lix] DETE, A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999-2009, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2001) pg 6 http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/uploads/documents/asia%20strategy.pdf
[lx] Ying Yun Wang, Chinese Students in Ireland National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), (2006) pg 36, http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/06_Chinese_Report.pdf
[lxi] DETE, A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999-2009, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2001) pg 13  http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/uploads/documents/asia%20strategy.pdf
[lxii] Coonan Clifford, Irish gather in Asia for inaugural business forum, in Singapore, Irish Times, 23 (2007) July http://www.ibfshanghai.com/News/index.htm
[lxiii] DETE, A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999-2009, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (2001) pg 6 http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/uploads/documents/asia%20strategy.pdf

14.1 Introduction
The ever-expanding economic and political strength of China has garnered high levels of interest from the heads of the European capitals, including Ireland, over the past decade. Over the past deacde or so, a series of programmatic policy papers from the EU and bilateral agreements have established an increasingly institutionalised relationship. From the European perspecitve, China has provided a test of European strategy of constructive engagement, with the EU being characterised as a civilian, normative or soft power. Where, then, does Ireland fit into this framework? Since the early 1990s, Ireland has increasingly sought to engage China as part of its wider Asia strategy, which has involved meetings with heads of state, diplomatic conferences, as well as bilateral political dialogue on issues such as environmental protection, human rights and education policy. From these emerged one of the the most significant policy documents with regards China in Irish history, the Asia Strategy. This document laid out plans for business agreements, economic benefits and cultural dialogue between the two countries. It has been one of the most successful policies in relation to China and its relations between a member of the EU since 1985. In order to assess the relationship between Ireland and China, the wider context of EU relations with China must first be assessed. It will then become possible to understand the ever-growing relationship between China and Ireland on the individual level.

14.2 EU – China Relations: A Brief Overview
What is now called the European Union first officially recognised the government of the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate government of China in 1975 and concluded its first bilateral trade agreement in 1985. Since the 1980s, the European Union has developed its long-term relationship with China based on political, social and economic developments[i]. This has involved numerous diplomatic and political meetings and agreements that have included the signing of a Trade Agreement on April 3 1978, an EC-China agreement on textile trade signed on July 18 1979 and the creation of a delegation of the European Commission in Beijing on October 4 1988. However this relationship was not always as amicable as initially invisioned. Following the June 4 1989 incident in Tiananmen Square, relations cooled between the two, with the EC imposing a number of sanctions on China, including an arms embargo[ii]. It was not until October 1990 that the Council and European Parliament decided to gradually re-establish bilateral relations with China.

There was not much significant political activity between the two until the EU-China Energy Dialogue that was established in 1994 and as a result bilateral relations expanded at a rapid pace. In June of that same year a new bilateral political dialogue opened between the EU and China. This was accompanied, on July 15 1995, with the publication of the European Commission’s first official communication on China entitled ‘A Long-Term Policy for China-Europe Relations’. Increasing relations resulted in the creation of a Dialogue on Human Rights issues, which was released in January 1996. In 1998 the next official Communication was released by the European Commission entitled ‘Building a Comprehensive Partnership with China’. One of the most important bilateral agreements took place on May 19 2000 with China concluding a market access agreement with the EU, which was an essential milestone in China’s WTO accession process. The EU has opened its markets to China, since then, because of the benefits to its citizens as well as to obtain reciprocal market access. It has also used this as a way of promoting economic and political lineralisation within China. 2001 saw the European Commission publishing the Communication ‘EU Strategy towards China: Implementation of the 1998 Communication and Future Steps for a more Effective EU Policy’. This was followed by the March 1 2002 European Commission China Country Strategy Paper 2002-2006. On September 10 2003 the European Commission adopted a policy paper entitled ‘A Maturing Partnership: Shared Interests and Challenges in EU-China Relations’. This was followed, on October 13 of the same year, with China releasing its first ever policy paper on the EU. In March 2004 the European Union becomes the biggest trading partner of China, with China becoming the second largest trading partner of the EU. In February 2005 the first ever EU-China Financial Dialogue meeting was held. On March 20 2006 the first ever EU-China bilateral consultations with a focus on Climate Change Partnerships were held. October 24 of that year saw the Commission adopts its Communication entitled ‘EU-China: Closer Partners, Growing Responsibilities’, as well as a policy paper on trade and investment. Over the years the EU has become one of the most significant trading partners of China.

At present, there are over 24 policy areas that are subject to regular meetings between the EU and China[iii]. In official declarations, the relationship has been described as being ‘maturing’[iv], ‘comprehensive’, ‘strategic’[v] and ‘global’[vi]. The EU is supporting dual track meetings in the context of the ASEM process and within the bilateral relationship that has developed between itself and China. In responding to China as an emerging global superpower, the EU seeks to shape China’s international behaviour and domestic evolution based on EU norms and values. In addition to the official agenda of supporting the integration of the PRC into global politics, the EU is now also pursuing an agenda that is trying to change Chinese erceptions and behaviour. From the EU’s perspective, supporting China’s reform process turns into a subversive strategy to change China’s political and economic system. Although the EU has had a long-tern relationship with China, Ireland has become somewhat of a significant player in its own right. This relationship culminated with the development of Ireland’s Asia Strategy
1999-1990.

14.3 Ireland’s China Strategy
China’s rise has been seen as the world’s challenge, but as an opportunity for Ireland. Since the early 1990s Ireland, in the context of its wider Asia strategy, has increasingly sought to engage China in economic, political and social arenas. Ireland slowly began to strike up its own political rhetoric with China, separate from the EU, and in November 1996 saw the first meeting between Irish and Chinese heads of government, which took place between Premier Li Peng and Taoiseach John Bruton at the World Food Summit in Rome. The second meeting took place in 1998, at London’s Asia-Europe Summit Meeting, between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji[vii]. Ever since then relations have been growing at an ever increasing rate. Ever since then Ireland has been slowly building its levels of expertise on both the public and private sectors of China.
The government of Ireland first identified the need for a strategic approach to the development of trade relations with Asia in 1998. This was greatly influenced by the fact that in the future Asian countries, especially China, will have a strong influence on political and economic developments throughout the world. As a result, the Irish government decided to create a formal link between the two through which both the public and private sectors could work cooperatively. This, in turn, would enable them to realise the economic and political benefits that these linkages with Asian countries can offer. As a result, in 2004, the Asia Strategy was drawn up.
Since then there have been numerous policy documents that focus specifically on Chinese and Irish relations, the most well-known being the Asia Strategy 1999-2009. Many policy makers and academics over the years have asked why Ireland has become so interested in China, and the answer may be found in the following three reasons. Firstly, the rise of China on the global scale has affected, or will affect, almost every country in the world as it has become increasingly important, not only economically, but also politically and in terms of global security. Secondly, China has provided a huge economic opportunity for Ireland through market activities, Investment opportunities, as well as domestic income generation. Finally, no country can ignore the fact that China now matters significantly on a range of global issues in a way that was not the case two decades ago[viii].

As well as that Ireland’s ‘Celtic Tiger’ experience has a lot to do with the growing relationship with China. The economic growth witnessed by Ireland during this period created vast opportunities both internally and externally. As a result there was a need to expand its external engagement with the global market and China was seen as being the ‘best value for money’ model. The Celtic Tiger also resulted in Ireland becoming more politically and culturally self-confident and more pro-active internationally, which again meant that it opened itself up to new business and political ventures outside of the European Union. As it currently stands, the relationship between China and Ireland has never been economically stronger. Through the continuing involvement of Ireland in the political and economic developments of all Asian countries, a tangible business opportunity has arisen for companies in a range of economic sectors across the country.
Ireland has consistently expressed high levels of enthusiasm and confident expectations on the trade and development opportunities and possibilities that Asian countries, especially China, can offer. Ireland relies significantly on the export trade with China, as it is vital to increasing its foreign earning levels, creating jobs at home and sustaining the economic and social prosperity that was created during the period of the Celtic Tiger. Since the late 1990s, Ireland has been witness to a growing number of companies becoming interested in doing business with China, coming about mainly as a result of China becoming a feature on the world’s economic stage and of the government’s encouragement of Irish companies taking advantage of the opportunities that China has to offer.
The next phase of Ireland’s Asia strategy focuses on the development of trade with Asia with an aim to sustaining and reinforcing previous relationships and successes. Ireland has become dedicated to to working cooperatively with Asian countries in order to further develop trade and business there, with the aim being to progressively capitalise on the current trade opportunities. Recent developments include Ireland becoming a member of the Asian Development Bank, the main reason for doing so being to make advances in Ireland’s bilateral trade development programme in the region as well as making the most of any economic benefits that the membership may occur. However, there are also downsides to this expanding relationship. Ireland is seen as a late-comer in terms of European engagement with China. It does not have the long history and high levels of trust with China that the EU as a whole would have. Also the Celtic Tiger has been witness to a downturn and as a result there may now be more risks than opportunities for Ireland in this relationship.

14.4 The European Context
EU foreign policy towards China has come a long way since the first Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed in 1985. Both political and bureaucratic cooperation mechanisms have become part of the institutional routine between the two that encompasses a whole range of governance-related policy areas that include technology transfers, climate change and international security. The EU recognises China as an increasingly important player across virtually international issues. However, the EU and China disagree on some of the most fundamental values of global governance including the creation and operation of multilateral institutions, the use of force and national sovereignty[ix]. Many of these areas were highlighted post-September 11 2001. Having observed these fundamental divergences of national interests between key EU member states vis-à-vis China, many critics are beginning to question the relevance of even having a common EU foreign policy towards China[x]. Yet, according to Ginsberg and Smith, these criticisms can often be attributed to an under-appreciation of institutional processes relative to other factors, such as material power[xi]. The main question here then is how does this affect Ireland and its relationship with China?
Ireland, since it joined the EU in 1973, has become deeply integrated both politically and economically with the EU. This is notwithstanding the recent debates surrounding Nice I and the Lisbon Treaty Referendum. As a result of this, Ireland’s external trade policy takes place in the overall context of the common EU trade policy, which covers both bilateral relations outside the EU and relations with the WTO. Ireland’s new policy of engagement with China, however, has not been as free and open as would have been hoped. The main reason being that it takes place in a deeply Europeanised context, even more so than it would have been 20 or even 10 years ago, and as a member of the EU Ireland must abide by any existing rules and regulations. As well as that, both the political and security dimensions of Irish foreign policy take place in the context of the CFSP and ESDP. Therefore Irish policy is limited by the rules and regulations of the EU. Many other important elements of Irish external policy and international policy development are also Europeanised, for example climate change policy under Kyoto and post-Kyoto treaties.
As a result, the majority of Ireland’s China policy, as is the situation for all other EU member states, has become extremely Europeanised through combinations of policies that aim to develop common EU policies with China. These Europeanised policies also aim to regulate the external dimensions or implications of any member state’s internal EU integration and development policies to that of the current standard of EU policies and regulations. This situation raises some important questions with regards Ireland’s China policy and its overall effectiveness given the dominance of the EU. Firstly, how does and can Ireland actually shape or contribute to EU China policy? Secondly, what does Ireland bring to the table with regards the EU’s China policy? Finally, how does the European (EU) context shape Irish policy i.e. does it strengthen or constrain it?

14.5 What Does Ireland Bring to European-China Policy?
With regard to the ever-growing relationship between Ireland and China, one has to ask what particular characteristics of the Irish political, economic and social experience does Ireland bring to the larger EU-China relationship and how can this be of benefit to overall China-EU relationship? The first benefit that Ireland has to offer comes from its history of economic expansion and growth. The period known as the Celtic Tiger transformed Ireland into a strong and independent country with a booming internal and external economic market[xii]. This experience can be translated into a blueprint that can be used to expand the current relationship with China as well as providing China with some key ideas that may enable it to form itself more along the lines of the EU market needs. The Celtic Tiger Ireland can be used as a model in numerous ways.
First, it can be used as a successful model of how a country can develop economic growth from relative poverty, a key problem in many areas of China at the moment. Secondly, Ireland developed its economic framework with the combined elements of social solidarity and social partnership. Both of these elements have become somewhat of a norm across European nations and China could use this to further integrate itself with these EU member states in the areas of cultural development and market structures. However, it must be noted that although China’s socio-economic and political scale are obviously very different from Ireland’s, Ireland can still provide elements of a model to which China might aspire. This may seem far-fetched but China still has a long way to go if it is to fully develop complete political, social and economic links with Europe and using the Irish model may allow it to develop these ties at a more rapid pace. Apart from this Ireland also has many more specific strengths that it may have to offer the broader EU-China relationship.
Education policy has been one of Ireland’s strongest weapons as an EU member and this could be used to further develop the cultural and education links in place between the EU and China. Ireland already has one of the highest exchange rates in colleges with China and this policy could further be expanded across the European Union. Another area of interest to China would be the pharmaceutical and bio-technology area. Ireland again has a lead in this field among the other EU members with the highest concentration of pharmaceutical companies choosing Ireland as a base, especially those from the US. All of these areas were dealt with in-depth in the Asia Strategy where the aim was to ensure that the Government of Ireland and Irish enterprises would work coherently to develop their relationship even further. As a result of that strategy the diplomatic and trade representation of Ireland has been strengthened through the opening of a Consulate General in Shanghai.

The adoption of this Strategy has also enabled trade between the two countries to increase considerably. Education has been another area greatly improved through this work with Ireland now attracting significant numbers of students from China. As a result of Ireland’s growing interest in China, China has reciprocated and has begun to view Ireland as a viable partner in the global economic, political and social marketplace. On numerous occasions, Chinese heads of state have noted Ireland’s economic growth records and its overall economic achievement. As well as that, China has taken an interest in the fact that Ireland has become a leading European knowledge-based high-tech economy with a strong track record of achievements in the areas of software development, information technology in general and life sciences[xiii]. All of these areas being of key interest to China and the Chinese market. Ireland has also been, as mentioned earlier, a key and active player within the European Union and one that has expanded its regional development policies on a large scale over the past 10 years.
These areas, along with the fact that Ireland has been one of the main EU member states to develop a healthy and positive relationship with China aided by regular visits, means that China sees Ireland as a powerful player in the international EU-China relationship. As stated by President Mary McAleese relations between China and Ireland are not only deepening, they are also widening. Ireland is not taking the steps to further develop its Asia strategy to encompass the next 25 years of relations with China. This will involve developing plans to boost the political, cultural, educational, and commercial and trade relations between the two countries. As of now the relationship between China and Ireland is flourishing.
One of the main signs of this deep-set bilateral relationship has been the development of dialogues focused on a wide range of issues, including education and economics. Ireland’s key political areas: a policy of economic expansion, greater access to education, recognition of economic interdependence, effective regional economic policies and the promotion of trade, encouragement of foreign direct investment and the diversification of markets, means that it has a lot to offer China in terms of internal policy development. The European Union has been one of the most important factors to Ireland’s success. Through its economic and social mechanisms, as well as the access that it provided to European markets, it allowed Ireland to evolve through its process of economic and social transformation. The EU agricultural, regional and structural policies were also of great importance in assisting Ireland to develop its national economy, as was the EU support of Irish national policies as a whole. However, this was not a one-sided relationship and Ireland is also extremely important to the EU. Ireland may be one of the smallest member states but it has a clear and influential voice within the Union, as was witnessed with the Nice I and Lisbon treaties.

14.6 How Does the EU Shape Irish Policy?
Ireland may have a significant role to play in the EU and its China policy, but the real question is does the EU context strengthen Irish policy towards China or undermine it? Well firstly this is an extremely sensitive question to answer because of the context of Irish neutrality. Taking the first question of whether or not the EU context strengthens Ireland’s China policy, one could argue that it does as it combines Irish power with the larger collective EU power therefore making one voice into many. This means that there is more power behind decisions and China will pay more heed than it would had Ireland itself developed a policy or recommendation. Irish governments have argued on numerous occasions in the past that EU policies are compatible with Irish neutrality and actually strengthen Irish influence, which otherwise would have been limited to that of a small, insignificant state.
However, there seem to currently be more arguments for the second reason, which is that the EU context actually constrains Ireland. This comes from the viewpoint that the EU weakens Ireland’s independence and freedom to manoeuvre within its China policies due to the fact that many voices against one usually means that the one falls into line with the many. This has happened on numerous occasions in the case of Ireland and the EU with regard policy and treaty developments, the most recent being Nice I and Nice II where Ireland was forced to hold a second referendum on an issue it has previously voted no to. Critics have argued that EU policy is dominated by the larger EU member states and has a neo-imperial or militarist agenda, whether this being explicit or implicit. This then comes back to Ireland’s neutrality issue. Since neutrality is an open-ended concept and the debate is deeply politicised and subjective, a decisive answer to this question is not really possible to ascertain. Therefore, to the outside it would seem that the institution of the EU is a dominant monster that does not let all of its member states have equal say.
Ireland has, however, been able to separate itself in the area of its China policy and the following evidence shows that Ireland has been able to increase its influence with China instead of it decreasing due to EU pressure. Ireland has not had to give up or surrender any of its pre-existing China policy nor any of its national policies towards China in the context of wider EU policy. Overall, EU policy on China has been largely compatible with Irish policy[xiv]. Both EU and Irish policy has tended to focus primarily on economic opportunities and threats that may result from the relationship with China and has decided to take a low-key approach on the human rights issue, unlike the US. As a result critics argue that the EU and Ireland are allowing economic self-interest to trump the concerns over human rights. There may be some truth to this argument but it does not imply that, in the case of Ireland, the primary reason for this has been the subjugation of Irish policy by the EU. In fact Irish governments and businesses have been advocates of this policy favouring it as it provides more benefits to their relations.

14.7 The Chinese Perspective
With regard to the EU as a whole, China understands that the relationship it has is a two way process. China is engaging the EU as much as the EU is engaging China. However, in addition to the straightforward economic interests displayed by the EU, for example market access, and as opposed to the EU’s implicit objective of shaping China’s domestic transformation, China has taken a different route. It has, instead, decided to follow a traditional realpolitik strategy of encouraging Europe to establish itself as a global power in order to counter balance US dominance. In China’s view, the EU is seen as being a potential temporary ally in the race for global supremacy instead of a partner for addressing global problems. How, then, does China see Ireland as an individual member of the EU? China sees the EU as a very valuable source of high technology, capital and intelligence, all of which are vital if China is to fulfill its historical mission of developing the Chinese nation and leading China into a position of global leadership.
As Irish and Chinese relations develop it becomes necessary to understand not only how Ireland perceives China in the Asian context but how China views Ireland in the European context. Ireland is currently categorised as being part of the larger economic opportunity that is presented to China by the EU. However, Ireland’s potential is growing and it is slowly becoming a source of foreign investment for China as well as a source of technological development, advancement and growth. Also Ireland has to offer a source of education opportunity for Chinese students seeking an education in the EU. Ireland appears to be one of the more attractive countries for Chinese students seeking higher education levels, thus creating a market between the two countries that has the dual benefits of education for the Chinese and funding for the Irish.
China views Ireland as a friendly face within the EU. China sees Ireland as being somewhat of a ‘kindred spirit’ with regards their common historical experiences with imperialism, thus the relationship is more open that it would be with other EU member states giving Ireland an advantage[xv]. With regards Ireland’s position within the EU, China understands that Ireland has a moderate centrist voice when it comes to policy development and implementation, marketing decisions and economic advancement. However, China still views this as significant and understands that even though Ireland may not have as much power as countries such as the UK, it still has a large enough say to ‘hold the EU hostage’, as has been witnessed with the Lisbon Treaty and Nice I. Also China views Ireland as being less critical of its human rights issues than countries such as Scandinavia or other Central and Eastern European EU member states. This means that Ireland has closer links with China and a first-place benefit when it comes to policy development.

14.8 Conclusion
Ireland’s China policy has been developed over time primarily as a response to the rise of China in the economic, political and diplomatic realms. It has also been primarily driven by, and reflects, the economic interests and opportunities that could be gained from a relationship with China separate from that which takes place in the EU. Ireland understands the enormous opportunities that China’s increasing global importance could result in for them both economically and politically. However, many critics argue that Ireland has been blinded to the negative aspects of a relationship with China by the Celtic Tiger economic outlook that developed throughout the late 1990s and has not taken into account areas such as human rights violations in the market development area. Many counterclaim that this is just a reflection of Celtic tiger Ireland’s new and more updated international view and that a relationship with China means a more self-confident and activist Ireland both internally and internationally.

China is trying hard to distance the EU from its own core values. If both the EU and China are going to continue to pursue their current agendas of changing the value base and institutions of each other, the emerging tensions are likely to remain. This is where Ireland may have the upper hand. However, even though Ireland and China have a growing relationship, Ireland’s China policy is still extremely Europeanised in the context of the EU and this will not change in the near future. With the growing feeling of Euro-scepticism and the primary results of Lisbon, Ireland may be pushing for a more individualist stance with regards its foreign affairs than it had over the last decade. However, Ireland being in a half-way house in the EU or even withdrawing completely is probably highly unlikely. The chances are that it will fall in line with EU policy while keeping its options open with China in areas such as education.

The overall European context of Irish EU policy with regard to China emphasises the political dimensions of the Ireland-China relations in three main areas. Firstly, it makes it part of a larger geo-economic and geo-strategic relationship in the EU-global context. Secondly, it means that the human rights questions can no longer be avoided on Ireland’s part and that it will inevitably have to fall in line with current EU policy regarding human rights violations and China. Finally, it relates to the larger questions such as global warming and proliferation of WMDs and other nuclear technology. Therefore, it can be argued that although Ireland contributes to EU China policy, the opportunity to be more proactive in exploring what particular things Ireland brings to the table and how it can contribute to EU policy can and should be taken.

NOTES
[i] EU-China Political and Economic Relations Handbook 2007 USA International Business Publication.
[ii] Asia Monitor Research Centre EU-China Economic Relations 2000
[iii] Cassarini The Evolution of the EU-China Relationship: From Constructive Engagement to Strategic Partnership 2006.
[iv] European Commission 2006.
[v] Wen Jiabao Speech 2006.
[vi] European Commission 2007.
[vii] http://www.einnews.com/china/newsfeed-china-ireland
[viii] Stanley Crossick China-EU: A Common Future 2008.
[ix] EU-China Political and Economic Relations Handbook 2007.
[x] Richard Edmonds China and Europe Since 1978: A European Perspective 2002.
[xi] EU Foreign Policy Towards China http://www.gppi.net/research/eu_china_policy/
[xii] ‘Ireland’s Economic Miracle Celtic Countries Magazine 2004. http://celticcountries.com/webmagazine/economy/celtic-tiger/
[xiii] DETE: A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999-2009. http://www.entemp.ie/trade/bilateral/asiastrategy.htm
[xiv] Ireland and the EU- European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/general_information/ireland_eu/index_en.htm
[xv] David Shambaugh Chine-Europe Relations: Perceptions, Policies and Prospects 2008

Fan Hong
Fan Hong is Professor of Chinese Studies at University College Cork (UCC) (2010). She received her BA and MA in China and PhD at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. She was Chair in Chinese Studies at De Montfort University in UK before becoming the first director of the Irish Institute of Chinese Studies (UCC) since its funding in 2006 and first Head of School of Asian Studies since its founding in 2009. She has published extensively on Chinese historical and social issues.

Jörn-Carsten Gottwald
Dr. Habil. Joern Gottwald held positions at Free University Berlin and University of Trier before joining the UCC in 2006. He has published internationally on political and economic reform in China, European China policies and the politics of financial services regulation in Europe and China.

Sha Hailin
Dr. Sha Hailin is the former Ambassador of the People’s Republic to Ireland. He is now the Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Government.

Martin King Whyte
Martin King Whyte is Professor of Sociology, Harvard University. He held positions at University of Michigan in Ann Arbour and George Washington University. He has published widely on China’s social and political transformation in comparative perspective and is considered one of the leading experts on modern Chinese society.

Geir Sigurdsson
Geir Sigurdsson is Professor at the School of Humanities, University of Iceland, and Head of the Icelandic Centre for Asian Studies. His internationally acclaimed research covers issues in Chinese philosophy, contemporary Chinese society and education.

James Cuffe
James B. Cuffe is currently a PhD student with the IICS (UCC). He wrote his MSc thesis on Irish-Chinese relations and conducts research on social change in China.

Sean Gorman
Mr. Sean Gorman is Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In this function, he has been a key organiser of the creation and implementation of the Irish Asia Strategy.

Peter Ryan
Mr. Peter Ryan was the Director of Intellectual Exchange at the Asia Europe Foundation and had been posted at Irish embassies in Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore. He has just returned to Ireland and is now working on European Union Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Tom Hardiman
Dr. Tom Hardiman has been a leading civil servant of the Republic of Ireland and has held various top positions at RTE, Bank of Ireland and IBM. He is the Governor for Ireland at the Board of the Asia Europe Foundation and the Chairman of the Board of Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.

Michael Garvey
Michael Garvey was the Head of Enterprise Ireland, Shanghai, and is now Head of Enterprise Ireland in Kuala Lumpur. Michael witnessed the evolution and implementation of the Asia Strategy working ‘on-the-ground’ in Asia.

Pat Ledwidge
Pat Ledwidge is the Director for Docklands Development, Cork City Council, and a leading member of the Shanghai-Cork Group overseeing the cooperation between the twinned cities of Shanghai and Cork.

John Armstrong
Dr. John Armstrong was a lecturer with the China Foreign Affairs University, China’s leading college for the training and education of future diplomats, and is now an assistant professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, one of China’s top five universities in the field of international relations. His research focuses on issues of EU-China relations and Chinese foreign policy.

Niall Duggan / Deirdre Cody/ Benedikt Seemann
Niall Duggan is a PhD student with UCC who has researched and published on Chinese foreign policy. Deirdre Cody worked on Chinese foreign policy before joining a major Swiss enterprise. Benedikt Seemann is working for a major political party in the Federal Republic of Germany. He has published on German China policies and has been involved in the drafting of the new Asia strategy of the CDU.

Neil Collins
Prof. Neil Collins is the Head of Department of Government at UCC. He has published broadly on issues in public administration and regulation and is currently co-writing a book on China’s political system.

Andrew Cottey
Dr. Andrew Cottey is Senior Lecturer with the Department of Government at UCC, and Jean Monet Chair in European Integration Studies. He has published widely on European Foreign and Security Policy and EU-China relations.

Natasha Underhill
Natasha Underhill is a PhD student with the Department of Government at UCC specialising on issues in international relations and security.

Foreword by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D.

The launch of the next phase of the Asia Strategy marks an important point in the development of political, economic and cultural relations between Ireland and Asia. Following my visit to China in 1998, I authorized the establishment of an Asia Strategy. The aim of this Strategy was to ensure that the Irish Government and Irish enterprise work coherently to enhance the important relationships between Ireland and Asia. It set out a series of challenging targets and objectives with a view to increasing our political, trade and investment ties in the region.
The first five years of the Strategy have been extremely successful. Targets have been met and in many cases considerably exceeded. The two priority markets identified in the Strategy – China and Japan – saw very substantial increases in exports from Ireland during the period. The success of my visit to China in early 2005, with a large accompanying trade mission, is in part a reflection of the achievement to date of the Asia Strategy.
The Government is fully committed to supporting the second phase of the Asia Strategy. I consider it to be essential that we maintain the momentum in strengthening our relations with Asia as we move forward into the next phase. The new Strategy 2005-2009, proposes even more ambitious goals and objectives, building on the achievements of the first five years. It targets not only priority markets but also emerging markets in the region. Most importantly, it seeks to increase the level of Irish exports to € 9 billion over the period.
The new Asia Strategy will be driven by a high-level oversight group. The group will ensure that the Strategy continues to respond to the dynamics of the Asian market. The Group will report to Government on an annual basis.
The next five years promise to be an exciting and challenging time for us. I am confident that we will see tremendous progress for Ireland in establishing a firm presence in Asia. I commend this next phase of the Asia Strategy and look forward to following its progress in the
coming years.

Foreword by Micheál Martin, T.D, Minister for enterprise, trade and employment

In A Decade of the Asia Strategy 1999 to 2009 we note with satisfaction what has been achieved in the last five years and set challenging objectives to be realized in the next.
The Taoiseach directed political focus on Asia some five years ago. All members of the Government share his enthusiasm and commitment for greater interaction between Irish people and those of Asian countries. That is in our mutual interest.
Regular communications and increasing familiarity with Asian peoples are still of relatively recent origin. Yet, linkages have been established across a wide spectrum in recent years. The political, business, educational, media, cultural, social and other relationships that now exist will deepen and widen in the future.
In addition, the presence in Ireland of growing numbers of Asian students, workers and tourists is welcome and also a relatively recent development. It is advancing the process of mutual understanding, while simultaneously conferring economic benefits and responding to manpower needs. We recognize the importance of this contribution and will facilitate its development in a way that respects and values those coming here.
This twenty first century is often referred to as the century of Asia. There are many more decades ahead before it runs its course. The Irish people and Government want to realize the opportunities that each will bring for national and global advancement in all spheres of activity.

The development of trade is the primary objective of the Asia Strategy. Business with priority Asian countries grew significantly during its first phase. Trade statistics last year, when compared with those in 2003, show heartening trends. Our exports to China increased by 19%, to Singapore by 17%, to Korea by 15%, to Thailand by 14%, to Japan by 12%, to India by11% and so it goes on. This growth reflects the hard work of confident and adventurous Irish business people. It reflects the dedication and commitment of motivated State representatives working cooperatively in Asian countries in a national endeavour to further develop trade and business there. That endeavour also engages the support of the President and of the Government of Ireland in concerted efforts to progressively capitalize on trade development opportunities that currently exist, and that are in prospect in the decades ahead.
We could be overwhelmed with considerations of scale and distance. We are not. We are already succeeding and our increasing trade statistics are plotting that success. I know that the publication of A Decade of the Asia Strategy, and the objectives, targets and review mechanism that it comprehends, will add even greater impetus and coherence to this important and strategic endeavour.
In this century Asia will be the economic fulcrum of the world. Its cities, many with populations that are multiples of our own, now provide dozens of markets of millions. With these demographics, marketing and trade development opportunities to sustain and enhance our export-led economic growth are beyond bounds.
We will now renew our commitment and efforts. Cooperatively we will continue to realize our trade development and related objectives. When the strategy for another decade comes to be written in 2009, we will have met and, hopefully, surpassed targets now set out. Of that, have no doubt.

Contents
Introduction
The Asia Strategy 1999 to 2004
The Asia Strategy 2005 to 2009
Primary Objective
Strategic Actions
Political Support for the Asia Strategy
– Exchanges of Visits
– Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM)
– State Representation in Priority Asian Countries
– Incoming visits
Other Linkages with Priority Asian Countries
– Ireland to join the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
– Establishment of Institute of Asian Affairs
– Mutual Awareness
Localized Relationships with Priority Asian Countries
– Internships
– Memoranda of Understanding
– Twinning Initiatives
Linking Ireland with Asia through Education, Research and Vocational Exchange
– Marketing Education Services in priority Asian countries
– Malaysia
– China
– India
– Korea
– Japan
Internationalization of Irish Education Services
– Graduate Placements
– Co-operation in the field of Research and Development
Developing Tourism Trade with Asian Countries
– Japan
– China
– India
– South Korea
– Art and Asia
Agricultural Trade and Priority Asian Countries
– Food and Drink Exports
– China
– Japan
– Other Developing Asian Markets
Exporting Irish Seafood to Asia
– Bord Iascaigh Mhara to further strengthen its Marketing in Asia
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
– Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment
– Enterprise Ireland
Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Priority Asian Countries
Outward Direct Investment (ODI) to Priority Asian Countries
Resourcing the Asia Strategy 2005 to 2009
Primary Achievement Indicator
Trade Target
Overview of Asia Strategy

Introduction
The Taoiseach identified the need for a concerted and strategic approach to the development of trade with Asia in 1998. It was informed by the fact that, into the future, China and other Asian countries will, to a progressively greater degree, influence political and economic developments throughout the world.

Accordingly, the Government decided to establish a formal context in which the public and private sectors could work co-operatively to realize the economic and other benefits that political and economic linkages with Asian countries can confer. In line with that objective, the Asia Strategy 1999 to 2004 was advanced.

Significant resources have been applied to that purpose, and these have yielded benefits to date. However, there is potential to further build on achievements. Accordingly, and taking into account the experiences of the last five years of the Asia Strategy, the next phase has now been initiated. It will cover the period 2005 to 2009.

The Asia strategy – 1999 to 2004
The main developments in that period can be summarised as follows:
– Visits to Asian countries by the President of Ireland, by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other Government Ministers, with consequential reciprocal high-level political visits, have heightened political awareness on both sides.
– They have provided the basis for the further development of relationships between political leaders and created an environment in which economic, social and cultural ties have been established and cemented.

Extensive efforts have been undertaken with key economic and political decision- makers to raise awareness of Ireland in Asia. In excess of €2 million was provided for this purpose.

Initiatives included:
– Development and publication of information materials.
– Support for visits to Ireland by key media personnel and others with roles in informing opinion and relaying information in Asia.
– Funding provision for the development of long-term institutional arrangements between representative Irish business organizations and their counterparts in Asian countries.

From a bilateral trade development perspective, the following advances have been made:
– In the course of the Asia Strategy 1999 to 2004, merchandise trade exports have increased from € 3.6 billion to over € 6 billion.
– Imports in 2003 reached € 8.8 billion – leaving a trade deficit for that year of € 2.8 billion. This underlines the need to further develop and diversify Ireland’s mercantile and services trade with the region.
– Total exports to Asian countries from indigenous Irish companies are estimated at € 321 million in 2003, an increase of about 15% on the 1997 level but – at less than 4% – a relatively small fraction of total exports to the region.
– Exports to China have increased dramatically – annual export growth averaged around 20% between 1997 and 2003.
– By 2003 some 93 Irish companies had established in Asia. That is double the number there in 1999.

The successful establishment of businesses in Asian markets requires proper planning and resource commitment. This can present significant challenges for smaller companies. However, those challenges are not insurmountable and State and other forms of support are available.

The Asia strategy – 2005 to 2009
The objective over the next five years of the Asia Strategy is to build on achievements to date. In the interests of further developing bilateral trade, that will require advancement not only of economic and trade relationships, but others across a spectrum that includes political, economic, social and cultural dimensions.

An outcome of the first phase of the Asia Strategy has been to highlight the importance of properly targeting Ireland’s export marketing efforts. This will ensure that, in considering opportunities in such a large and populous continent, resources are most effectively focused and commensurate benefits result.

Primary objective
The objective of the Government to be realized within the next five years is to intensify the levels of political, business and other forms of interaction with the priority Asian countries so that Ireland benefits to a significantly greater extent from the trade and other benefits that successful trading with the region can confer. In this context, greater attention will be given to ensuring that indigenous Irish companies avail of business opportunities in these priority countries and to the provision of necessary State and other supports for that purpose.

Strategic actions
Drawing on experience gained over the period 1999 to 2004, and in light of the need to prioritise efforts in a large geographic area with widely varying population densities, the primary focus of the Asia Strategy up to 2009 will be on a limited number of countries.

The countries have been identified on the basis of assessments of general economic and trade development projections in those listed, and of the potential for increasing the foreign earnings of Irish businesses.
In recognition of the possibilities for change in the economic situation of individual countries in the region over time, they will be kept under review, and adaptations made as necessary. In this regard our trade development agencies are already seeking to further develop business and trade relationships with emerging economies in the region. These include, in particular, Thailand and the Philippines.
Trade development opportunities in other Asian countries will continue to be monitored by the Government and the State agencies. The purpose will be to ensure that bilateral trading relationships with such countries are also further developed in the period to 2009 and that foreign earnings potential is maximised.

Political support for the Asia strategy exchanges of visits
High-level political exchanges and trade missions to priority Asian countries led by the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and other Government Ministers have been important in increasing Ireland’s profile, particularly within China. They have facilitated the development of durable political and business relationships.
The most recent visit of the Taoiseach to China marked a further step in this process of strengthening and deepening political and economic relationships. Leading the largest trade mission ever to have left Ireland, the Taoiseach was accompanied by the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Education and Science; and Agriculture and Food.
More than two hundred business people, representative of a range of Irish economic sectors, participated in the trade mission. Business deals to the value of approximately € 126 million were concluded during it. This does not take account of business negotiations that were initiated or advanced. These are expected to yield significant trading benefits and export earnings in the period ahead.

In addition, the trade mission included representatives of a range of State agencies and private sector organisations.
In the course of the visit, agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation in sectors of mutual interest – in agriculture, education, software, and scientific research.
In their discussions, the Taoiseach and the Chinese Premier agreed to continue to encourage and facilitate high-level political visits. They also agreed to develop and promote reciprocal exchanges in other areas that are of mutual interest and benefit. They decided that a coordinating mechanism to advance these objectives will be established.
They set a target of doubling the value of trade between both countries by 2010.
In recognition of the importance of further developing and reinforcing the status and frequency of high-level political visits to priority Asian countries and emerging economies in Asia, such visits will be a central feature of this phase of the Asia Strategy.
They will be planned on an annual basis by Government Departments. They will be coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and other Departments. The high- level political visits will focus on the particular economic sectors that reflect trade development possibilities in destinations to be visited.
The trade development impacts over time of each visit will subsequently be assessed in direct consultation with participating business representatives.

Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM)
The ASEM process was established in 1996 to create an inter-regional dialogue between Asian countries and Europe. It focuses on political, economic, trade and people-to-people issues. The Taoiseach represented Ireland at the ASEM 5 summit in Hanoi in October 2004. That Summit agreed to the enlargement of ASEM to 39 members. Its biennial meetings at the level of Heads of State and Government, and annual meetings of Foreign, Economic and Finance Ministers, will continue to provide platforms for worthwhile bilateral opportunities and contacts with our Asian partners.

State representation in priority Asian countries
In the course of the first phase of the Asia Strategy from 1999 to 2004, Ireland’s official representation on that continent was increased and strengthened. Regional and local representation there is also important to the development of our export trade, as an example, in a country as large as China.
In this regard, the Government has decided to establish a diplomatic mission in Vietnam. It will be located in Hanoi and will open in the second half of 2005. It will have particular responsibilities for Cambodia and Laos also. As well as delivering other tasks, the mission will promote Irish trade and investment interests in the region.
The Government will continue to keep under review the levels and locations of State representation in Asian countries. Adaptations will be made as necessary so as to fully realise the objectives set out in this document.

Incoming visits
The number of incoming visits to Ireland from political and trade delegations has increased significantly over the past five years. Government Departments, State agencies and private sector undertakings will continue to facilitate visiting delegations in the interests of further strengthening ties and of advancing possibilities for bilateral trade development.

Other linkages with priority Asian

Ireland to join the Asian development (ADB)
The Government agreed to join the Asian Development Bank subject to concluding satisfactory conditions for accession. That has now been realised and the terms and conditions of membership were agreed last year.
The Government’s reasons for joining the ADB include the advantages that membership will confer in further advancing Ireland’s bilateral development programme in the region, as well as consideration of the economic benefits that can accrue.
In the latter case, membership will provide opportunities for Irish companies and consultants to tender for projects funded by the ADB. Other member States of the European Union have to date been awarded significant contracts as a consequence of such tendering.
In light of this country’s impending membership, enquiries have already been received from Irish entities interested in working in the region. Access for our business people will have additional advantages in heightening their awareness of Asian countries, providing informed understanding of business culture and practices there and developing new business and professional relationships across a disparate range of economic sectors.

Establishment of institute of Asian affairs
Fostering a better understanding of Asia and its peoples is important to the development of sound economic and trading relationships. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Education and Science will, in consultation with other Departments, advance proposals for consideration by the Government on the establishment, role, functions and funding of an institute of Asian Affairs.

Mutual awareness
Programmes of media visits designed to raise awareness, both in Ireland and in Asia, will continue to be supported. Such visits will serve to further inform Irish people about life, living and business cultures in Asian countries, and the peoples there of comparable issues in Ireland. Campaigns with that objective have to date been successful in conveying a better sense of this country and of the different aspects of its national life.

Localised relationships with priority Asian countries internships
The Shanghai Internships Programme provides for exchanges of officials. It has been successful in developing important contacts within the administration responsible for that city. It has also resulted in an increased awareness of this country in political, economic and cultural circles there. Extension of the scope of the programme is in prospect and exchanges are now being developed with Hong Kong.
Under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the internships Programme will continue to receive support.
Support will also be provided for scholarships and internships for Asian Government and commercial personnel to allow them familiarise themselves with administrative, business and educational spheres of land.

Memoranda of understanding
In the period 1999 to 2004, a number of Memoranda of Understanding and similar contracts have been signed by representatives of the State, business and other organisations at national, regional and local levels. Their purpose is to formalise and specify the nature of joint cooperative endeavours that both parties undertake to comply with, be they of a trade development nature or otherwise. It is in the national interest that the provisions of all such undertakings are comprehensively respected and implemented.
The High-Level Group described below will be informed periodically of experiences in implementing the provisions of such Memoranda and contracts, and of any proposals for agreeing new ones with Asian counterparts.

Twinning initiatives
Twinning of Irish and Asian cities, towns and regions can assist the further development of personal and business relationships. Such twinning arrangements exist in several Asian countries. The concept is popular there.
They have a positive contribution to make in strengthening country-to-country ties. They can also contribute to facilitating the development of business relationships that exist on foundations of mutual confidence and trust. Accordingly, twinning arrangements will again be supported in this phase of the Asia Strategy.

Linking Ireland with Asia through education, research and vocational exchange
Marketing education services in priority Asian countries
International Education is one of the fastest growing areas within the International Services sector worldwide. It has recently been estimated that the global number of students studying abroad will rise from 2.1 million in 2003 to over 5.8 million by 2020.

Of particular relevance to Ireland is that the great majority of these students are opting for courses in information and communications technologies, hospitality management, business studies and the sciences. These are disciplines in which there is capacity in our education
system to respond to demand.

As the greater part of this global cohort is projected to come from the priority Asian countries indicated, it can be a source of educational enrichment while also being materially beneficial. Enterprise Ireland, working closely with the International Education Board of Ireland, has been particularly active in promoting the benefits and advantages of our education system. Malaysia, China, India, Korea and Japan are important countries of origin.

Malaysia
There is a long established tradition of education linkages between Ireland and Malaysia. Currently about 1,300 Malaysians are studying at third level here. This figure is projected to increase to 2,500 by 2009. Such students are particularly interested in pursuing courses in information and communications technologies, engineering, business studies and medicine.

China
China continues to be the primary focus for our third level colleges. To date this year, twenty-one colleges have participated in Education Fairs in that country. They were organised by Enterprise Ireland and have over the past five years been a feature of its education promotion activities.
Currently, in excess of 2,900 Chinese students are taking degree courses in Irish colleges. This number is projected to increase to more than 5,000 by 2009. In 2005, estimated income of approximately €60 million in direct fees and off-campus spending will accrue.
In excess of thirty-five co-operation agreements have already been concluded between third level Irish and Chinese colleges. Such co-operation will be an important factor in attracting greater numbers of high-quality students to locate here in the future.
An Institute of Chinese Studies to enhance the understanding of Chinese culture and language in Ireland is currently in the process of being established. It is expected to be operational in the academic year 2005/2006.

India
India has great potential to contribute to the advancement of Government policy on developing our education services. Irish Colleges have been active in marketing there since 2000. To facilitate them, Enterprise Ireland organises annual promotional visits to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and now to Chennai.
In addition, to advance the promotion of Irish educational services, an area education manager has been based at the Irish Embassy in Delhi for the past three years. The manager plays an important role in advising and supporting marketing representatives of our third level colleges to achieve the objectives of their expansion plans and in encouraging visits by Indian media and education sector representatives to Irish colleges.
The number of Indian students attending Irish Colleges grew significantly in the past five years. In 2004, 621 students were granted visas to study in Ireland. The target is to increase that figure to 4,000 by 2009.
India is predominantly a source of post-graduate students and about 70% of all Indian students in this country are in that category. This level of educational attainment on arrival is of particular interest and benefit to our colleges.

Korea
Activity in this market is of recent origin. However, progress is now being made as a consequence of trade promotion visits by Government Ministers. In addition, in 2004 a Korean delegation of education representatives visited colleges here and a number of representational agreements were signed as a consequence.
Current numbers are low – about 50 students are at present studying in Ireland. However, this level is expected to increase to around 1,000 by 2009 as links with both educational representatives and Korean colleges are intensified in the interim.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland has recently appointed a representative in Seoul. She will also be actively promoting the advantages of Irish education in Korea.

Japan
Enterprise Ireland is developing our education profile with Japan also. Again, the number of Japanese nationals currently studying at third level here is low – just over 100. There is, however, potential to significantly increase that number. To realise the potential, further visits to Ireland by Japanese media and education representatives will be arranged. In addition, high-level visits to Japan, as well as to Korea, are in prospect. These will assist in advancing the internationalization of Irish education, and in trade development generally.

Internationalisation of Irish education services
The objective of promotional efforts is not only to increase the overall number of Asian students coming to study here, but also to increase and diversify the number of college-to-college links and cooperative arrangements in place. Already, this is being done very successfully in China.
Educationalists recognize that over-reliance on any particular market may not be positive and may impact on quality and standards. There could also be issues in marketing terms as a consequence of any such over-reliance. Accordingly, the Government will seek to ensure that diversity in the mix of nationalities continues to be a feature as it further develops the internationalization of Ireland’s education services.
The promotion of Ireland as a destination for Asian students will be an important issue in implementing the recommendations of the recent report on the Internationalisation of Irish Education Services. These recommendations will be implemented in the near future.
Educational links have to date been key in advancing relationships between Ireland and Asia. Graduates and students from the priority Asian countries will now be a valuable resource as this country seeks to strengthen its research and technological base.
A scholarship scheme will be established to attract top Asian graduates and students to Ireland during this phase of the Asia Strategy.

In addition, the Government is aware that in the future, and having completed their formal studies here, Asian students will form an important network of contacts and trade partners for Ireland on return to their native countries. The promotion and dispersal of such networks will be supported through the development or establishment of Alumni Associations in priority Asian countries.
Alumni Associations have already been established in China (Beijing), Singapore and Malaysia. They consist largely of people who graduated from Irish colleges some time ago. Support will be provided for the establishment of new Associations in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and, eventually, in Japan and Korea.
In all major centres where Enterprise Ireland has offices younger graduate returnees will be contacted and encouraged to take membership in, or to establish, Alumni Associations. Support will be available in the initial period following their establishment or refreshment.

The upward trend in Asian students coming to study in Ireland, the increasing number of colleges joining the internationalisation programme and the positive and reinforcing impacts that new measures and high-level political visits will yield, should ensure that this target will be reached, and even surpassed.

Graduate placements
Establishing lasting partnerships and networks between Irish professionals and Asian counterparts is important to further develop trade and tourism. A focused Graduate Placement Programme for Asia, drawing on the existing FÁS programme and other support systems administered by the European Commission, can give Irish graduates opportunities to gain valuable training and experience in Asian companies. They can also contribute to eventually establishing important business linkages between Asian and Irish companies and to promoting a greater understanding of Asian business culture here.

Co-operation in the field of research and development
Existing collaboration between Science Foundation Ireland and counterpart organisations in China, Japan and Singapore has raised the profile of the economic success of Ireland. Such collaboration also assists in communicating the advantages Ireland offers as a location for advanced research and development, and the possibilities for sourcing high-tech products and services here. The reinforcement of this collaboration will be a feature of the next phase of the Asia Strategy 2005 to 2009.

Developing tourism trade with Asian countries
As the economic centre of the world moves eastwards, it is important for the medium and longer-term future of Irish tourism that it develops the potential of emerging long-haul markets. Asia will become an increasingly important continent for tourism to Ireland in the longer term. It is estimated that by 2020, over one third of global outbound tourism will originate in Asia, with over 100 million tourists coming from China alone. Tourism Ireland has been working to lay foundations to capitalise on this projected growth in the years ahead. The markets identified as having the greatest potential are Japan, China, India and South Korea. Key developments in each are indicated below.

Japan
Tourism Ireland appointed a new representative company in Japan in 2003. Visitor numbers in 2004 were about 25,000. A 10% increase is forecast in 2005. To assist in realising this target, participation of tourism sector representatives in a trade mission to Japan this year, as well as their involvement in a major tourism trade and consumer fair there, has been arranged. A dedicated website and a marketing book have also been designed and produced for the Japanese market.

China
Approved Destination Status was conferred on Ireland by the Chinese authorities in 2004. Subsequently, websites were made available in Chinese. In addition, 15,000 marketing books in Chinese were provided. Tourism Ireland has recently opened an office in Shanghai and appointed necessary staff there to manage its efforts to attract an increasing number of tourists from the region to holiday in this country. A three-year tourism development programme is now being finalised. Among other issues, it will provide for participation at trade and consumer fairs, media visits and tour operator participation in marketing events. At least two such events will be attended in 2005 – the World Travel Fair and the China International Travel Market Fair.

India
A part-time representative company was appointed in India in 2004. In 2005, golf and film industry initiatives will contribute to raising awareness of Ireland with targeted audiences. Tourism Ireland will participate in a Location Film Exhibition in Mumbai and will also facilitate the participation there of five film production companies from Ireland.

South Korea
In 2005 Tourism Ireland will be capitalising on niche market opportunities that arise. A marketing book and website detailing tourism information on Ireland has been made available in South Korea.

Tourism Ireland has estimated that, assuming a stable international economic environment, visitor numbers from priority Asian countries will increase by more than 50% in this phase of the Asia Strategy.

Art and Asia
Through the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Government allocated almost € 3 million in 2004 to promote cultural exchanges with China. These have been highly successful in building relationships between both countries. Such exchanges, and other linkages to promote mutual cultural awareness, will be further developed in this phase of the Asia Strategy. Also under the auspices of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, a new organization named Culture Ireland/Cultúr Éireann has recently been established to promote awareness of Irish art and artists abroad. As there is complementarity between developing cultural relationships with priority Asian countries and the key trade promotion objectives of the Asia Strategy, the new body will work closely with the High Level Group in order to optimise potential synergies.

Agricultural trade and priority Asian countries
The Irish agriculture and food industries will remain export oriented. Their progress will depend on ability to maintain or expand market share at home and overseas. In this phase of the Asia Strategy the sector is likely to operate in a highly competitive environment. This reflects the advent of a more liberalised agricultural trade regime. In addition to increased competition, logistical constraints can be impediments to developing trade in food and drinks products with Asia.

There are, however, opportunities to increase existing business in dairy products and to establish and expand trade in pig-meat, beef, food ingredients and alcoholic drinks. The aim of the agricultural sector in the period to 2009 is to consolidate and further develop current markets, to establish new markets, to increase the numbers of exporters active in the area and to formalise trading arrangements as appropriate. The overall objective to be realised in that period involves a threefold increase in the value of agricultural exports.

Food and drink exports

As negotiations progress on the removal of the remaining barriers to food imports into Asian countries, the main objectives of Bord Bia will be to develop in-depth market knowledge and to increase the profile of Ireland as a supplier of quality food and drink products. Key marketing activities will include providing exporters with current and comprehensive market information, participating in trade fairs, organising seminars for targeted groups and implementing and monitoring a programme of inward buyer visits.

China
With a population of 1.3 billion people and an economy that is now the fastest growing in the world, China is attracting the attention of the major global food manufacturers. As the Chinese economy continues to grow, its level of self-sufficiency in food will continue to fall. It will experience a radical change in the profile of consumer needs, with demand for commodities and for processed foods continuing to increase. There is also evidence of an increasing demand from China’s increasingly affluent middle class for quality branded import products.

Japan
Japan presents a market for predominantly high quality goods. It offers suppliers better prices and margins than many international markets. However, it is also rightly insistent on detailed and accurate product specifications, consistency and dependability of supply and quality and authoritative assurances on food safety. In taking account of this background, Bord Bia will strengthen contacts with key importers and buyers and provide on-going feedback to Irish exporters on market opportunities for Irish food products. Special emphasis will be on emerging markets for functional foods and drinks.

Other developing Asian markets
Opportunities for Irish food products in other Asian markets will also be pursued. The Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore will be targeted in the marketing of dairy products and infant formula. The Philippines and Indonesia will be the focus in the marketing of meat and meat products. The overall challenge for Irish exporters in the agricultural sector is to understand the diverse and complex nature of the different priority Asian markets and market segments, and to tailor and promote their products accordingly.

Exporting Irish seafood to Asia
There are significant opportunities to increase exports of seafood and related products to the priority Asian countries. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), in cooperation with Enterprise Ireland, is responsible for the marketing of these products. During the first phase of the Asia Strategy, there has been growth in exports of Irish seafood. Exports to China, including Hong Kong, have been particularly buoyant for a range of seafood products. These include crab, oyster, mackerel and horse mackerel products. The positive export growth trend is the outcome of marketing strategies deployed over the past eight years. In that period BIM has worked closely with a number of Irish seafood companies that are interested in developing the potential of the Chinese market. Recent marketing initiatives include participation in a number of key seafood trade events in the region and availing of the opportunities those trade missions, particularly those headed by Government Ministers, present to achieve new sales and to diversify export destinations for Irish seafood products.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara to further strengthen its marketing in Asia
Trade in seafood products has increased over the past five years. However, BIM appreciates the need to maintain and strengthen business links in the period to 2009. This will allow exporters to more fully realise the opportunities that exist in niche segments of the seafood markets of priority Asian countries.

Accordingly, BIM will strengthen and diversify its trade development Programme to sharply focus on:
– market research and intelligence gathering;
– trade development through all effective methods, including participation in key trade fairs and availing of market intelligence exchange opportunities;
– planning and coordinating market assessment visits by Irish company representatives targeting the region;
– encouraging and facilitating inward buyer missions to Ireland from priority Asian countries.

BIM does not have a permanent presence in these Asian countries. However, through cooperative working arrangements with Enterprise Ireland, it has access to the resources of that organisation in the region. This facilitates an effective and unified approach on the part of these two State agencies to the identification and development of market opportunities for Irish seafood producers in priority Asian countries.

Enterprise, trade and investment

Department of enterprise trade and employment
Trade missions will continue to be an important feature in assisting enterprises to identify market opportunities. Such missions will be directly linked to planned annual visit programmes by the Taoiseach and other Government Ministers to particular countries in Asia. These programmes will be submitted to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment by relevant State organisations not later than the October preceding the year to which they refer.

In consultation with Government Departments and State agencies, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will propose a system to monitor the business development impacts of trade missions. That system will be implemented through continuing dialogue with representatives of participating business undertakings, organisations and other institutions to determine the business development advantages that result from their participation in particular trade missions. Outcomes will be the subject of periodic reporting to the High Level Group that is being established to ensure the effective operation of the next phase of the Asia Strategy in the period 2005 to 2009.

Enterprise Ireland
Helping its clients to win international sales and to establish or further develop business in Asia are priorities for Enterprise Ireland. Providing companies with essential market information, introductions and other supports are elements in achieving these priorities as they enter and develop markets there.

Accordingly, Enterprise Ireland will now renew and strengthen the service it offers to ensure the most effective State support for the national exporting drive in the priority Asian countries. The development of new initiatives to address sales skills and capabilities is important to ensure future success. Similarly, providing access to mentors in the region, developing opportunities for graduates to gain international selling experience and helping companies to recruit skilled staff are important elements that necessarily underpin achievement.

Enterprise Ireland will publicise details of general and niche market opportunities of interest to particular sub-sectors of companies in Ireland. It will also provide a signposting and advisory service to companies seeking to internationalise through overseas acquisitions or outsourcing.

Enterprise Ireland has set a range of targets to be achieved in the course of this phase of the Asia Strategy. These include:

– Increasing the number of Irish companies that have already established in Asia from 93 in 2003 to 215 by 2009.
– Actively marketing education services available with a view to increasing the number of third level students from priority Asian countries undertaking studies in Ireland, from approximately 5,500 in the academic year 2003/2004 to 17,000 by 2009.

Enterprise Ireland has also identified the economic sectors in priority Asian countries listed below for particular marketing attention on behalf of indigenous Irish companies. In view of the probable need to alter these targeted sectors over the next five years, because of likely changes in industrial growth profiles, developments in these sectors will be reviewed annually by Enterprise Ireland. The outcome of such reviews, and any recommendations for change as a consequence of them, will be communicated to the High Level Group.

Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from priority Asian countries

In implementing the Asia Strategy to date, attempts to source foreign direct investment were primarily focused on Japan and Korea. The rapid development of the Chinese economy has created new opportunities.

IDA Ireland recognises China as an area with excellent potential for future FDI opportunities. In such a complex market a systematic and thorough approach is needed to properly assess inward investment potential.

An experienced team of senior IDA staff with in-depth knowledge of Asia has been established to explore the market potential from an FDI perspective. Team members recently completed a fact-finding mission to China and had discussions with Government officials and representatives of both multinational and indigenous Chinese companies.

IDA also recently commissioned consultants to carry out an assessment of the potential for value-added Chinese investment in Ireland. Its team is planning another trip to Shanghai early in 2005 to coincide with the completion of that assessment.

Existing IDA resources in the Asian region will be deployed to support the new strategy as it develops and will be supplemented by such additional resources, including new offices, as are considered to be warranted by the assessment.

Outward direct investment (ODI) to priority Asian countries
The level of total trade will continue to be a key indicator of the state of our economic relationships with priority Asian countries. However, direct investment from Ireland in such countries is also likely to grow in importance.

The evolution of Irish-owned industry towards higher value-added activities, higher output and higher productivity is an important element in ensuring a solid economic foundation for long-term growth in competitiveness, exports and employment. The progress made by some Irish companies in relation to product sophistication and their scale of operation indicates that, for logistical and marketing reasons, outward direct investment is now viewed by business leaders as a viable and valuable strategic company development option.

Outward Direct Investment to the priority Asian countries will continue to be undertaken by ambitious and dedicated business people who manage Irish companies of varying sizes. Some will be in well-established sectors, others will form part of the growing cadre of small Irish-based high-technology companies that are primarily characterised by a global business and trading orientation.

Decisions to invest in the priority Asian countries indicate a willingness to act on a number of fronts. These include developing new outlets for goods and services and accessing new distribution channels and networks. For logistical reasons it will be necessary for some companies to have production facilities in the region. The business justification for investing in Asia includes gaining access to skills and expertise and acquiring or developing new technologies that can be transferred back to Ireland.

The Irish business environment is supportive of high value-added activities. In that context, outward direct investment to priority Asian countries, and benefiting from the opportunities it provides for particular Irish companies, is consistent with national economic and social policy objectives. These most importantly include increasing or retaining employment levels, progressively improving average wage rates and further enhancing the living standards of all and, in particular, those of the economically and socially disadvantaged.

Resourcing the Asian strategy 2005 to 2009
As in the period 1999 to 2004, when over € 2 million was provided, State funding will again be made available to implement certain of the initiatives and activities outlined above. This funding will be applied to ensure that the presence and the consciousness of Ireland in Asian market places is further reinforced so as to advance the attainment of primary objectives described above.

In addition, large-scale resources are already provided in existing budgetary allocations for the development of trade with priority Asian countries. These will be reviewed on an annual basis and, in light of the commitment of the Government to the Asia Strategy, will be appropriately adjusted by reference to the outcome of evaluation and review. This evaluation and review will take into account recommendations of the High Level Group described below.

Government Departments will now plan their respective involvement in the Asia Strategy to 2009. That planning should be such as to ensure that these Departments make the fullest contribution, consistent with the policy responsibilities they have, to the realization of the trade and related objectives of the Asia Strategy of the Government. That will include providing necessary resources to ensure a concerted and strategic approach and operational effectiveness in delivery of the provisions of the Strategy in each relevant Department.

Primary achievement indicator
A core objective of the Asia Strategy 2005 to 2009 is to develop relationships between Governments, business organisations and Irish and Asian peoples generally. This is in support of the central focus on increasing trade with that continent, creating wealth in Irish companies, particularly in smaller companies, and contributing to national prosperity, employment creation and maintenance.

The most important indicator of success at end-2009 will be the extent to which Ireland has further developed its export trade with the priority Asian countries outlined above. A concerted national endeavour, comprehending all involved in the promotion of export trade and services, will be maintained, reviewed and reinforced over the next five years. Results achieved in the course of the last Asia Strategy have been good. They provide a solid basis for the Government’s expectations of doing much better in the development of trade with Asia over the next five years.

Trade target
The primary target for the Asia Strategy is to increase the value of Irish goods exports to the priority Asian Countries to €9 billion by 2009. To meet this target it will be necessary to at least double exports to developing countries such as China and Vietnam. Exports to developed markets in the region, such as Japan, are unlikely to grow at this rate. The goods exports target indicated is achievable. The expectation of the Government is that it will be realised, and exceeded, by 2009.

Overview of Asia strategy
The Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in co-operation with the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, will chair a High Level Group to oversee the implementation of the Asia Strategy. That group will be small in number.

The High Level Group will maintain a strategic overview of progress in implementing the Asia Strategy and ensure that it continues to reflect and respond to the dynamics of the priority Asian countries.

NOTE
[i] “A DECADE OF THE ASIA STRATEGY 1999-2009” Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dublin, 2006.

Speech by An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern TD at Tsinghua University,

Beijing Tuesday, 18 January 2005

President, distinguished guests,

I am pleased to be here today, at this centre of academic excellence which has educated so many of China ‘s leaders.

Tsinghua University reflects the energy of China in many ways:
· through its emphasis on change and development;
· through its openness and eagerness for international cooperation;
· through its commitment to high standards, exemplified by its motto of “self-discipline and social commitment”;
· and through its recognition of the challenge of balancing carefully the ancient and the modern, tradition and innovation, in a way which generates healthy and sustainable progress.

It is six years since my first visit to China. In that period, China has continued its remarkable economic and social transformation. China is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. China is now very much a world power in every sense, with a solid and rapidly growing presence in the global economy.
Ireland is a strong supporter of Chinese engagement in the international community. We were at the forefront in welcoming China ‘s membership of the United Nations some three decades ago. And we recognise that China ‘s entry to the World Trade Organisation in 2001 was both a political and an economic landmark.

After my visit in 1998, I authorized the elaboration of an Asia Strategy, with a particular focus on China.
The aim of this Strategy is to ensure that the Irish Government and Irish enterprise work coherently to develop the important and many dimensional relationship between our two countries. As a result of that Strategy, we have strengthened our diplomatic and trade representation in China , both in Beijing and also through the opening of a Consulate General in Shanghai.
The adoption of the Asia Strategy by the Irish Government in 1999 has contributed in a significant way to the development of the relationship. Trade has increased very considerably.
Education links have also increased and Ireland is now attracting significant numbers of Chinese tourists. There is an active and popular Chinese community in Ireland – Chinese New Year is celebrated in Dublin as well as in Beijing. Cultural contacts have increased in both directions – I am always impressed by the impact that Riverdance has made here in China.

If Ireland ‘s interest in China has developed and expanded, so too has there been a growing interest in Ireland, here in China. This arises from a number of factors, for example:
· Ireland ‘s economic growth and record of economic achievement;
· our status as a knowledge-based high-tech economy with a strong track record of achievement in software, life sciences, and information technology in general;
· our regional development policies;
· and our active role and influence within the European Union.

The healthy and positive development of our relations has been nourished by regular high level visits.

The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, paid a State visit to China in October 2003.
I have myself had two very friendly and productive meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao in the course of 2004, a year which marked the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China and which also saw the sixth Presidency by Ireland of the European Union.
Our Deputy Prime Minister visited China in 2000 and 2004.
Distinguished visitors to Ireland have included former Vice Premier Li Lanqing in 2000, former Premier Zhu Rongji in 2001, and Premier Wen Jiabao in May of 2004. Most recently, Vice Premier Huang Ju visited Ireland in November 2004.

There have also been exchanges at other senior levels.
Relations between China and Ireland are not only deepening. They are also widening.
I see my current visit as a platform for a further boost to the political, human, educational, cultural, trade and commercial relations between our two countries. We are now taking steps to reinvigorate our Asia Strategy as we enter into the second 25 years of our important relationship with China.
High-level visits should continue to develop, including in new fields. As a keen follower of sport, I look forward to greater contacts in this area as we approach the Beijing Olympics of 2008.

The constructive and friendly economic, human, cultural and trade links between us are based on sound political relations. I am happy to say that the political relationship between the Governments of China and Ireland are both friendly and flourishing.
A sign of a close and growing bilateral relationship is that it can include dialogue on a wide range of issues, including some which have started from different points of view. The question of human rights is a good example. I believe that bilateral discussion of such issues, and also discussion in structures such as the EU/China Human Rights Dialogue, contribute to building enhanced mutual understanding.

Business missions are driving forward our economic links. I hope that Irish and Chinese entrepreneurs will look increasingly at the direct investment opportunities which both countries offer. Education cooperation has an important role to play. The number of young Chinese students in Ireland has grown in recent years.
We want to strengthen contacts between Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University, and their Irish counterparts. In Ireland we have a respected and high quality English language educational system. This has been one of the chief engines driving our economic success. I would invite the students here today to consider studying at one of our educational institutions in Ireland.
Relations between China and Ireland show that distance and differences in size are no barriers to a warm and friendly relationship. Ireland has some 4 million inhabitants – less than one third of the population of the city of Beijing. China is the most populous nation on earth. The land
area of Ireland could fit into China many times.
But while the differences, particularly of scale, between our countries are obvious, I firmly believe that there are parallels in our respective national experiences which deepen mutual understanding.

Both China and Ireland have long histories and a strong sense of their past. China’s recorded history goes back 5000 years. Developed communities in Ireland existed from about the same period. More recently, 1500 years ago, Ireland began its long record of education when Irish scholars travelled and taught throughout Europe. In both countries, as we each develop economically, there is a strong sense of tradition as well as a strong sense of the importance of the correct balance between tradition and modernity.
Both countries worked actively throughout the last century to achieve their respective destinies.
Both countries were successful in creating the conditions in which they could become the subject and not the object of their histories.
In Ireland , as a new state, genuine national control of our destiny meant working to create the conditions for economic and social, as well as political progress. We had to work intensively to address our comparative economic underdevelopment and lack of investment capital.
Moreover, we had the additional challenge of creating enough employment in Ireland to ensure that many of our young people no longer had to emigrate in search of work and a prosperous future.

Indeed, it was an American President descended from Irish emigrants, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who said on a visit to Ireland that “the achievement of nationhood is not an end, but a beginning”.

That beginning presented great challenges to Irish Governments in the newly independent Ireland. That first generation of leaders created a stable and democratic state and skilfully and successfully negotiated the dangerous decades of the 1930s and 1940s. But economic growth was slow in coming. Ireland’s record of slow growth and high emigration continued until the 1950s. It was only when Ireland committed to international economic engagement that the trend of underdevelopment and depopulation was reversed.
While Ireland ‘s size and geographical location are fixed, the present model of the Irish economy – an open, trading economy – was the result of a strategic choice.
Essentially it was a recognition by Irish leaders of foresight that, in the changing economic circumstances of the second half of the 20th century, certain conditions and polices were necessary for sustainable economic progress. These included:
· a policy of economic expansion;
· greater access to education;
· recognition of economic interdependence;
· effective regional economic policies;
· the vigorous promotion of trade, encouragement of foreign direct investment, and diversification of markets;
· the need for full involvement with the process of European integration.

This recognition and those strategic choices were central to our decision to seek membership of the European Community, now better known as the European Union. Ireland joined the European Community in 1973, and we have been an active and committed member ever since.

The industrial, economic, scientific, and educational polices adopted by successive Irish Governments have had profound effects on our employment patterns. The demands of a high tech economy have led to greater links between our university sector and enterprise.

In vigorously opening our economy, we created a range of special agencies and policies. For example, special economic zones, of which Shannon is best known. And agencies which worked closely with Irish and foreign enterprises to attract foreign investment and to support Irish exporters. Representatives of these agencies are among the business delegation which has accompanied me on my visit this week. We are ready to share our insights with our Chinese friends. I hope that we will also learn from the Chinese experience of economic and social transformation.
I spoke earlier of the European Union and its importance to Ireland. The European Union, through its economic and social mechanisms, and the access which membership gave to the European markets, was a major element in the process of Ireland’s economic and social transformation. European Union agricultural, regional and structural policies, and support for our national regional policies, were of great importance in assisting Irish Governments in developing the national economy.
But Ireland is also important to the European Union. We are a small country, but we have a clear, influential and respected voice within the Union.
The decision to join the European Union, and before that the United Nations, gave new and important platforms to Ireland to play a role in international and multilateral affairs. Not only as an issue of principle, but also as a matter of prudence, Ireland places strong reliance on the maintenance of a stable, peaceful and just international environment. We support a rule-based international order with clearly defined rights and obligations.
Ireland supports the rule of law as the organizing principle of international relations. Our Constitution enshrines Ireland’s devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly relations between nations based on international justice and morality.

Ireland, like China, sees the United Nations as the key multilateral framework. Ireland has been a committed member of the UN for nearly fifty years. We have served three terms on the UN Security Council. We will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of our membership of the UN in December of this year. We have played an active and proud role in peacekeeping operations, and our military and police have been deployed in many such operations since our first involvement in UN peacekeeping over forty years ago. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary General to restructure and retool the United Nations to meet the new challenges it faces.
The importance of clear UN leadership has been amply demonstrated in recent days by the relief and reconstruction challenges posed by the enormous tragedy of the tsunami in South Asia.
China also places great emphasis on multilateral cooperation and peaceful coexistence. I am confident that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council with a strong interest in peace and development, will continue to play a leading and positive role in addressing the new and complex challenges that face the UN.
The international community has a duty to address causes of insecurity which have the potential to evolve into catastrophic situations. Many of the new security threats and challenges that we must face in common are vastly different from the traditional problems of the last century. The 21st century challenges of terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organized and transnational crime, the crippling burden of poverty – all of these can be fertile ground for the generation of cycles of insecurity and mistrust.
As partners in the international community, China and Ireland have a firm belief in the value of international cooperation and dialogue which aims at defusing tensions and preventing conflict.

The Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said that the greatest test of a general’s skill was never to fight a battle. Thus the greatest challenge facing the international community is to prevent conflict and the causes of conflict, as opposed to dealing with its consequences.

I welcome China’s growing engagement with the European Union. One of my countrymen, John Hume, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, said that the European Union is itself an outstanding example of conflict resolution. Certainly, conflict between the members of the EU is unthinkable. The EU has exported democracy and has imported democracies. The process of EU enlargement has been a stabilizing factor in Europe. Increasingly, the EU is seeking to apply the principles of conflict prevention and support for effective multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. This is an important development as the Union develops its international role across a wide range of sectors – trade, commerce, aid, but also the growing role of the EU in the sphere of international peace and security.

I had the privilege of chairing the European Council when Ireland held the Presidency of the European Union in the first half of last year. I was pleased to conclude negotiations on a new constitution for the European Union, which gives a further boost to the process of European integration and will allow the Union to further develop its role in the wider international community.
The EU and China are becoming increasingly important trading partners. Our relations are entering a new phase. The EU’s strategic partnership with China has assumed growing importance. The recent EU Summit of Heads of State and Government, which I attended last month, welcomed the results of the seventh EU/China Summit held earlier in the Netherlands and confirmed the significant recent developments in EU/China relations. I am confident that we are on the threshold of a new and positive phase in EU/China relations. This is a development that we greatly welcome.
Regional integration and cooperation have been shown to be a potentially important stabilising influence in international affairs. It has been so in Europe. I am aware of China’s positive role in supporting regional cooperation in Asia, and in acting in support of multilateral approaches to issues, such as those relating to the Korean peninsula.
From my comments, I think that it will be clear that there are many issues on which Ireland and China have similar views. I am keen to maintain and intensify our cooperation and exchanges in all of the fields that I have mentioned.
In Ireland, literature is a particular focus of our culture and I have been impressed to learn that some of the greatest works of Irish literature have been translated into Chinese.
As a small country, we have been privileged to have four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature – William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

In looking at the great opportunities for cooperation between Ireland and China in all of the areas I have mentioned in my remarks today, I am reminded of what George Bernard Shaw once wrote: some people see things and say why. I dream things that never were, and say why not?

That is the ambitious motto that I believe should underpin the development of further relations between China and Ireland.

Thank you.

1979
– Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Ireland and the PRC 22nd June.

1980
– Exchange of Ambassadors between Ireland and China.

1982
– Minister for Foreign Affairs Gerald Collins to China in October.

1983
– Minister of Health Cui Yu to Ireland in May.
– Minister of Trade, Commerce & Tourism Frank Cluskey to China in May.
– Minister for Health & Social Welfare Barry Desmond to China in September.

1985
Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland signed by China’s Minister of Culture, Mr. Zhu Muzhi and Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Peter Barry during Mr. Zhu’s visit to Ireland in May.
– Ministry for Agriculture He Kang to Ireland in July.

1986
Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technological Cooperation officially signed by the two countries during the visit to Ireland by China’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Mr. Zheng Tuobin in May.
– State Councilor & Minister for Foreign Affairs Wu Xueqian to Ireland in May.

1988
– President Patrick J. Hillary to China in April.

1993
– Minister for Tourism & Trade Charlie McCreevy to China in April.

1994
– Attorney General Harry Whelan to China in May.
– Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs Dick Spring to China in September.
– Minister of Civil Affairs Doji Cering to Ireland in October.

1995
– Minister of Foreign Affaires & Economic Cooperation Wu Yi to Ireland in April.
– Vice Premier & Minister for Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen to Ireland in October.

1996
– Vice Chairman of the National Peoples’ Congress Standing Committee Tian Jiyun to Ireland in March.
– First meeting of heads of State when Premier Li Peng meets Taoiseach John Bruton at World Summit in Rome in November.

1997
– Minister for Marine & Natural Resources Michael Woods to China in November.

1998
Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland Relating to Civil Air Transport signed by China’s Vice Minister of General Administration of Civil Aviation, Mr. Shen Yuankang and Ireland’s Minister of State at the Dep. of  Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Tom Kitt during the visit to China by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in September Ministry for Foreign Affairs David Andrews to China in May.
– Premier Zhu Rongji meets Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Asia-Europe Summit meeting in London in April.
– Minister for Social Community & Family Affairs Dermot Ahern to China in June.
– Irish Speaker Dail Ceann Comhairle Séamus Pattison to China in July.
– Taoiseach Bertie Ahern meets President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji in September.

2000
Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income officially signed by China’s Ambassador to Ireland, Zhang Xiaokang and Ireland’s Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Tom Kitt during the visit to Ireland by Vice Premier Li Lanqing in April.
Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland signed by China’s Minister for Science and Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Mary Harney during Harney’s visit to China in September.
Agreement on Education Cooperation between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland initiated by China’s Ambassador to Ireland and Ireland’s Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science in Dublin in October 2000.

2001
– Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands Síle de Valera to China in January.
– Premier Zhu Rongji to Ireland in September.
Agreement on Education Cooperation Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Ireland signed in February.

2002
– Ireland-China Research Collaboration Fund Agreement in December.
– Inaugural Shanghai Intern Programme in Ireland – June –September.

2003
– Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform Michael McDowell to China in March.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – June – September – visit to Cork in August.
– President Mary McAleese to China in October.

2004
– Lord Mayor, Cork City Council, Cork Chamber and UCC visit to Shanghai in February.
– Irish Tánaiste to China in March.
– Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to Ireland in March.
– Premier Wen Jiaobao to Ireland in May.

Memorandum of Understanding on Visa and Related Issues Concerning Tourist Groups from the People’s Republic of China signed in May.
– Cork City officials visit Shanghai in June to explore Sister City relationship.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – First Cork-based Interns; first Interns from Suzhou and Wuxi.
– Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee Ye Xuanping to Ireland in October.
– Visit by Shanghai Municipal Cultural Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV – meeting with Cork cultural and arts organizations October.
– Performance by Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre as part of Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture Programme in October.
– Performance by Shanghai Percussion Orchestra as part of Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture Programme in November.
– Vice Premier Huang Ju to Ireland in November.

2005
– Irish Trade Mission to China led by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in January. Largest trade delegation have ever left Ireland.
Cork City Council and UCC participate Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Software Sector between the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland signed in January.
Protocol on Quarantine and Veterinary Health Requirements for Pork to be exported from Ireland to the People’s Republic of China signed in January.
Agreement on Cooperation between CCPIT, China International Chamber of Commerce and Ireland Chamber of Commerce signed in January.
Agreement on Cooperation between China National Committee of Natural Sciences Foundation and Science Foundation of Ireland signed in January.
– Cork City twins with Shanghai in May signed by Cllr. Sean Martin, Lord Mayor of Cork, and Mr. Gong Xue Ping, representative of the city of Shanghai, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – two Cork-based Interns.

2006
– Establishment of Irish Institute of Chinese Studies at University College Cork and University College Dublin under auspices of the Irish Asia Strategy in January.
– Visit from Changning Huju Opera Troupe to Cork – first time performed outside China.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – two Cork based Interns: programme extended to Hangzhou.
– Mr Zeng Peiyan, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, to Ireland in September.
Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Ireland signed in September.
Visit of Cork Chamber delegation to Shanghai and Hangzhou; MOU signed with Shanghai Chamber of International Commerce.
– BA in Chinese Studies programme (four years) began at UCC.

2007
– Establishment of Irish Studies Centre at Beijing Foreign Studies University in partnership with NUIM in March.
– Establishment of Confucius Institute at University College Cork in conjunction with Hanban and Shanghai University in November.
– First Annual China Conference: China in the 21st Century took place at University College Cork in June.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – two Cork based Interns.
– Visit of eight Cork schools to Shanghai in October.
– Establishment of Confucius Institute at University College Dublin in conjunction with Hanban and Renmin University of China.
– A lecture on ‘The EU Through the Eyes of Asia- the Case of China and Hong Kong’ took place in UCC.
– Focus on Asia lecture series took place in UCC.
– BCom in Chinese Studies programme (four years) began at UCC and UCD.
– Higher Diploma and MA in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Business programmes (one year) began at UCC.

2008
– Shanghai Intern Programme – two Cork based Interns.
– Visit of Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan in Sept. 2008.
– Visit of nine Shanghai schools to Cork; 9 Memoranda of Understanding signed; October 2008.
– The 2nd Chinese Language Contest in Ireland (Chinese Bridge) took place in UCC.
– Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission led by Taoiseach Brian Cowen to China in October, the second largest trade mission to China.
– The 10th Session of China-Ireland Economic, Trade and Technological Joint Commission Meeting was held in Dublin, which was co-chaired by Mr. Sun Yongfu, Director General of European Affairs Department of Ministry of Commerce in China and Ms. Clare Dunne, Assistant Secretary General in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland in December.
– The 1st Conference of the Association of Chinese Studies in Ireland took place in Dublin. Signing of Memorandums of Understanding between the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the China Bank Regulatory Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission during October Trade mission.
– The first group of students of Higher Diploma and MA in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Business programmes graduated at UCC.
– The prestigious European Award for Languages has been awarded to the Irish Institute of Chinese Studies (IICS) at UCC.
– IICS’s second annual international conference, The Rise of Asia and its Challenge for Europe, was held in Cork by UCC.
– The First Asian Ambassadors Round Table Discussion took place in Cork.
– The Asian Studies Ireland Association (ASIA) was established.

2009
– Visit of delegations from Cork to Shanghai led by Deputy Lord Mayor Patricia Gosch; Memorandum of Understanding signed with Vice Mayor Tang Dengjie of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government to cover the period to 2014.
– Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan, T.D., met with a delegation from Changchun City led by Party Chief Mr. Gao Guangbin in Ireland in May.
– First annual Irish Studies Conference at Beijing Foreign Studies University in December with announcement that Irish language will be taught at the Irish Studies Centre in BFSU.
– Shanghai Intern Programme – two Cork based Interns; Dujiangyan City (Sichuan) joins the programme.
– Visit by Shangha Federation of Industry and Commerce; Memorandum of Understanding signed with Cork City Council.
– Study in China Summer Camp for Irish University Students took place at Shanghai University organized by UCC Confucius Institute and IICS (UCC).
– You Ai Cairde China Cultural Tour 2009 co-organised by UCC Confucius Institute and the Irish Chinese Contact Group took place in China.
– The 2nd Chinese Language Contest in Ireland (Chinese Bridge) took place in UCC.
– Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce Mme. Qiu Hong led a trade and investment promotion mission to visit Ireland in December.
– University College Cork launches School of Asian Studies in October.
– Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission led By Ministry Billy Kelleher TD to China in October (Financial Services Trade Mission).
– Visit of China National People’s Congress Delegation to UCC Confucius Institute and UCC.
– Post Beijing 2008: Geopolitics, Sport, Pacific Rim International Conference/Workshop took place in UCC.
– The 2nd Conference of the Association of Chinese Studies in Ireland took place in Dublin.
– The 2nd Annual Conference of the Asian Studies Ireland Association took place in UCC.
– The Irish Association of Chinese Teaching and Learning was established at UCC with its Inaugural Conference.
– The 2nd Asian Ambassadors Round Table Discussion took place in Dublin.
– The Irish Institute of Korean Studies was established at UCC.

2010
– Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission in March to China (Education Trade Mission).
– Three new Asian Studies programmes at postgraduate level began at UCC including: MA in Asian Studies, Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and East Asian Affairs and Higher Diploma in East Asian Affairs and Economics.
– Online training programme – Doing Business in China initiated.
– The Confucius Class Room Programmes established in Cork and Ireland.
– You Ai Cairde China Cultural Tour 2010 co-organised by UCC Confucius Institute and the Irish Chinese Contact Group took place in China.
– The 1st Chinese Language Contest for Schools in Ireland (Chinese Bridge) took place in UCC.
– The 3rd Chinese Language Contest for Universities in Ireland (Chinese Bridge) took place in Dublin.
– The 1st Conference for Korean Studies took place at UCC.
– The inaugural of the Training Centre for Chinese Language Teachers and the 1st Chinese Language Teachers Training Workshop took place at UCC.
– The Cork City Delegation led by the Lord Mayor of Cork visited Cork’s sister city Shanghai and the Shanghai Expo.
– The Irish President Mary McAleese visited the Irish Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo.
– The 3rd Conference of the Association of Chinese Studies in Ireland took place in Dublin.
– The 3rd Annual Conference of the Asian Studies Ireland Association will take place in November at UCC.
– The 3rd Asian Ambassadors Round Table Discussion will take place in November at UCC.