Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister and thank him for his report. He did an excellent job in furthering our trade and cultural relations with China. The Presidency of the European Union gives Ireland a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand our relationship further in cultural tourism, general tourism, education and job creation.

As the Minister remarked, there are already strong cultural links between Ireland and China. I hope he will be successful in adding to the ten Chinese centres located throughout the world and that we will be successful in securing such a centre. Perhaps on a local or parochial level we might have a link with Siamsa Tire and have a Chinese venture outside China with such a cultural centre.

A recent report states the Chinese middle class population will treble to 280 million by 2020. The results of such growth in its population will generate an abnormal demand for all types of services. It opens up great opportunities for Ireland in the agrifood industry, in particular, and the export of our drink products.

See this speech in context