🍀✈️ Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, touched down in Beijing this week for a landmark visit – the first by an Irish prime minister in 14 years. Leading a big business delegation, Martin will meet President Xi Jinping and the Chinese premier Li Qiang before jetting off to Shanghai.
Building Bridges with the Chinese Mainland
According to the Chinese mainland's Foreign Ministry, the visit aims to build political mutual trust and widen win-win cooperation with Ireland. 🤝
Trade: The Heart of Bilateral Ties
In 2024, trade between the Chinese mainland and Ireland reached a whopping $23.4 billion. Ireland often serves as a gateway for the Chinese mainland into Europe – and is one of the few EU nations running a trade surplus with them.
Key sectors include agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and aviation leasing. Queally Group, one of Ireland's largest agri-food businesses, has traded meat, pet food, and beverages with the Chinese mainland for around 25 years. Liam Queally highlights that with high protein demand, the market offers huge potential for pork – and upcoming opportunities in beef, pet food, and other value-added products. 🚀
Despite a BSE scare in late 2023 that paused Irish beef exports, full market access was back in January 2024. However, talks continued into late 2025 to restore export volumes. Exporters hope this visit smooths the runway for beef, pet food, and other high-value goods.
From Shannon Free Zone to Hainan Free Trade Port
Did you know Ireland pioneered special economic zones with the Shannon Free Zone in 1959? More than six decades later, the Chinese mainland has its own Hainan Free Trade Port – offering zero tariffs on most goods. Chad Huang of Teng Long Aviation Group Ireland is on the trip, eyeing new aviation leasing projects in Hainan. ✈️🌴
This visit shows how two island nations can spark big ideas – and why young entrepreneurs and travelers should keep an eye on these cross-continental connections. 🌍💼
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As Ireland's PM visits China, businesses back home seek stronger trade
cgtn.com
