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Irish companies have been decamping to China for years, so what are the challenges and opportunities of outsourcing? CLIFFORD COONANreports from Beijing

FOR THREE DECADES now, China has been the global saviour for the small factory owner, providing cheap labour and attractive terms for everyone from widget makers to toy manufacturers. The recent decline in the euro has certainly made China a less attractive place for manufacturers, as the European currency buys a lot less than it did six months ago, but long-term China remains an appealing place to do business, especially as it moves up the value chain and quality and standards improve.