The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, will open the new Irish consulate in Shanghai when she visits China in September. As deputy Taoiseach and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, she will lead a major trade mission to the Chinese capital, Beijing, and other regional centres.
Her trip is part of the Government's strategy of developing closer business and trade links with Asia. Following the visit by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to China in September 1998, an Asia Strategy Group was established, with the aim of raising Ireland's profile in Asia. The Tanaiste's visit is part of this strategy, a spokesman said.
The Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs is also considering a trip to China, which may include Tibet, but no final decisions have been made. However, it is understood that the committee's chairman, Mr Des O'Malley, will not be going should a visit be finalised. The final itinerary and schedule of Ms Harney's trip have not been confirmed, but it is likely the visit will go ahead in the second week of September.
