Doing business with China, as with other Asian countries, requires detailed work on the ground and the cultivation of personal relationships over a long period. If that effort is put in, the evidence shows it will be repaid by growing trade and investment. Ireland has learned this lesson belatedly but well, as is demonstrated by the Tanaiste's current visit to China, where she opened a new consulate in Shanghai yesterday. Trade has doubled both ways over the last year and there is great interest in Ireland's rapid economic growth.
Mr Dan Flinter, chief executive of Enterprise Ireland observed in Beijing that "we ignore China at our peril". Ireland's economy is one of the most open in the world, an internationalisation which has brought it into contact with companies and regulatory authorities all over the Asian region. It was in recognition of that fact that the Taoiseach set up an Asian Strategy Group two years ago. It recommended a rapid increase in diplomatic, trade and commercial resources and it is to the Government's credit that this was speedily implemented. The Shanghai consulate, extra staffing in Beijing and the opening of a new Irish embassy in Singapore have flowed from it. The initial fruits of their work have become visible during Ms Harney's visit. China's forthcoming accession to the World Trade Organisation will open up many more such opportunities.
The Tanaiste has had access to some of the most influential public figures in China, including a meeting with the prime minister, Mr Zhu Rhongji. They discussed the economic reform programme, human rights policies and Ireland's campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Mr Rhongji is a straight talker, who clarified his government's intention to sign two UN human rights conventions and hinted that it would support Ireland for a Security Council seat. This suggests that, despite the disparities of size between the two countries, Chinese leaders are intent on developing the relationship.
Ms Harney has a large group of business and educational representatives travelling with her. They have signed a variety of agreements across the span of industrial sectors. There is particular interest in software and high technology communications. There is also much enthusiasm to develop closer relations between educational institutions. Already many Chinese students have come to this country and there are plans to develop placement arrangements for young graduates similar to the successful ones pioneered by FAS in Japan.
The lesson from all this activity is that the commitment of extra diplomatic staffing and resources can be repaid with increased economic interaction if planning is well researched and focused. That lesson can be applied to other parts of the world. Now that Asia has become a greater priority it is surely time to apply it to Latin America, where many similar opportunities are being missed because of the paucity of Irish representation there.