This week began in the first seconds of St Patrick’s Day, as Minister Howlin led the countdown to the ‘greening’ of the iconic Great Wall of China, which was illuminated by green lights for the first time, as part of the ‘global greening’ initiative.
On Monday an ‘op-ed’ by the Minister appeared in the South China Morning Post. Tuesday saw the Minister attend a number of engagments, including Ireland-China International Strategic Cooperation event supported by Science Foundation Ireland, and a networking event attended by senior business people and senior Beijing Government officials where the Minister spoke on ‘Ireland – the ideal partner for China in ICT and Business’. The Minister also met with the Chairman of the China Investment Corporation, discussing the bailout exit, reforms planned and already underway and major policy initiatives, and opened the ‘Shadows’ art exhibition in the Culture and History Museum, Beijing.
The Minister’s visit will conclude with meetings and engagements in Beijing, discussing, and promoting, Ireland in sectors such as ICT, Financial Services and Culture.
As always, the Secretary General will meet with officials over the course of the week.


