Ceann Comhairle To Host Bilateral Visit From Chinese Delegation

Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett, will host a bilateral visit from a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 June.

The delegation will be led by HE Mr Wang Zhaoguo, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. The delegation also includes four Members of the NPC Standing Committee and a number of Directors of NPC Committees, including its Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Committee.

After a courtesy call with President Mary McAleese on Wednesday afternoon, the delegation will visit Government Buildings and Leinster House on Thursday, 9 June where they will meet with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD before visiting Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Following a tour of Leinster House, the delegation will meet with Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, TD and Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke.

In Leinster House, they will also meet with a cross party group of Oireachtas Members where they will discuss issues of mutual interest to both countries, including economic and trade issues.

During their visit to Ireland, members of the delegation will visit Counties Dublin, Clare and Kerry where they will have an opportunity of visiting Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse, the Phoenix Park, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett, TD, said: “It is an honour to host Mr Zhaoguo and the delegation from the People’s Republic of China to Ireland. This visit highlights the interest in both sides in developing economic and cultural links between our countries. Trade between China and Ireland continues to grow, with exports to China reaching €2.4 billion in 2009, while bilateral trade is worth more than €6.5 billion annually. Hundreds of Irish companies trade with China, while more than 100 Irish enterprises now have offices there. Visits like this one will allow us to focus on opportunities for trade between Ireland and China as well as showcasing our country as a tourism destination for Chinese people. The recent introduction of a visa waiver scheme will make it easier for tourists from China and a number of other countries to visit Ireland and this visit can help to build on that initiative to make Ireland a more appealing business and holiday destination for Chinese people.”

(BMcN)