Ireland has signed an extradition agreement with Hong Kong.
Minister of for Justice Brian Lenihan said the move would help in the fight against international crime and ensure there were "no safe havens for fugitives".
The agreement sets out an agreed range of offences and procedures to be followed.
These offences must carry a penalty of at least 12 months imprisonment and must be an offence under the law of both countries. In the case of people who have escaped custody or fled before being jailed, at least six months must remain to be served.
"I am pleased that we have been able to negotiate what is a strong and effective agreement which takes account of the fundamental legal and constitutional principles of both jurisdictions aimed at protecting the individual," Mr Lenihan said.
Ireland's Extradition Act 1965 was amended to include territories such as Hong Kong, which is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It has limited autonomy in relation to external affairs.
It has already signed similar agreements with several EU states, including the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
Ireland has already signed a Mutual Assistance Treaty with Hong Kong. This will be ratified when the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005, which is awaiting committee stage, is passed during the current Dáil session.