The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has today met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to discuss trade and the relationship between Ireland and China.
Mr Cowen also took part in a business breakfast that was organised by Enterprise Ireland and attended by over 600 guests.
He is also attending promotional events organised by Tourism Ireland and An Bord Bia, an IDA event on the Irish financial services sector, and the signing of memorandums of understanding between the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the China Bank Regulatory Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and between IDA Ireland and the China Development Bank.
The Taoiseach is to give a speech at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing.
The trade and bilateral aspects of the Taoiseach's visit to China will end later today, and he will go on to attend the Seventh Asia-Europe (ASEM) Summit that opens tomorrow.
Mr Cowen arrived in China yesterday. He was initially due to arrive last Monday, but his departure was delayed due to the controversy surrounding the over-70s medical card.
In a statement released as he departed Dublin, the Taoiseach said: "The aim of this trade mission is to develop and further enhance the significant commercial relationship between Ireland and China, to raise awareness of Ireland as a source of world-class products and services, and to support Irish companies in accessing opportunities within China."
