In a recent written interview with Xinhua, Ahern said: "The visit of Premier Zhu is a further step in the process of more intensive engagement with China initiated by my own visit to China in 1998 and the adoption of Ireland's Asian Strategy a year later. "

"Economic and trade relations between Ireland and China have shown remarkably positive development since that time. This growth in trade has been greatly facilitated by an ever-increasing exchange of visits between our two countries by deputy prime ministers, ministers as well as senior officials and business people," Ahern said.

Zhu is scheduled to pay an official visit to Ireland on September 2, the first visit by the Chinese premier.

Ahern said Ireland is committed in particular to rapid growth in the IT sector, especially in computer software and that China is seen as a high-priority market for Ireland in this area. "There have been a number of successful exchanges between Irish and Chinese software companies and I would very much hope to see further such examples of cooperation in the IT and other sectors."

The Irish prime minister said the Irish government needs to make Ireland's name more widely known in Asia since Ireland lacks a long-term tradition of economic and political relationships there.

"The Asian Strategy is currently working to raise Ireland's profile in Chinese businesses circles. Premier Zhu's visit to Ireland will be invaluable to us in creating a greater awareness of Ireland in China," he said.

Ahern said that Ireland's support of the "one China" policy is well known and has been reiterated on several previous occasions.

Commenting on Ireland's strategy to develop relations with Asian countries, Ahern said his visit to China in 1998 made it clear to him that Ireland needed a strategic approach to developing stronger economic links with Asia.

Ireland's Asia Strategy, which was introduced in 1999, was a direct result of that visit to China. The strategy focuses on the potential to increase trade between Ireland and China. China was designated as a priority country within this strategy.

The Irish prime minister added that the implementation of the Asian Strategy is proceeding well. Since the Asian Strategy was established in 1999, Ireland has opened two new consulates in the Asian-Pacific region -- one in Shanghai and one in Sidney -- and an embassy in Singapore. The new consulate in Shanghai has a clear business focus.

The latest Irish official figures show trade between Ireland and China has grown particularly stronger over the past 18 months. In 2000, exports from Ireland to China showed a 40 percent increase on 1999 figures, and imports showed an increase of 37 percent on 1999. China, including Hong Kong, was Ireland's 13th largest export market in 2000, and eighth largest source of imports.

Ahern said Ireland will continue to raise awareness of Ireland, as potential trading partner, in countries where it lack traditional links. "The Asian-Pacific Strategy Committee is currently working on a program of awareness-raising projects, designed to increase recognition of Ireland in Asia. This should help to ensure the continued success of Ireland's Asia Strategy," he added.

Commenting on the U.S. national missile defense program, Ahern said Ireland has expressed its concerns about any moves which might undermine the current balance of strategic stability and be contrary to the conclusions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.

(People’s Daily 09/01/2001)