Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he intends to make an official visit to China; and if there are plans for senior ministers to make official visits in 2012. [38801/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government attaches great importance to widening and deepening bilateral relations with China. China is a key high-growth and high-potential market for Ireland under the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. The local market team, set up under the Strategy, includes all of the State Agencies present in China in addition to the Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate-General in Shanghai. The team is chaired by our Ambassador in Beijing and has been actively working to build on our growing economic and trade relationships with China. Ireland had a modest trade surplus with China in 2010. Total merchandise trade between Ireland and China was worth almost €5.3 billion in 2010. Trade in services during the same period was worth €2.1 billion. Over 130 Irish companies now have a permanent business presence in China – an increase of 300% over the last five years.

I very much hope to visit China next year in order to build on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between our two countries; to have discussions with my opposite number in China on matters of mutual concern; to promote Irish interests; and to further enhance our political, trade, investment, education and tourism links with China. As the Deputy will appreciate, a visit must take place at a time mutually convenient for my Chinese counterpart. This will be arranged between the Irish and Chinese sides through diplomatic channels.

As the Deputy will be aware, Government Ministers generally commit to official visits abroad based on the demands of their portfolio. I am not aware of any confirmed travel plans by other Ministers in relation to China, although the Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach also intends to visit China in 2012.