Politics

Michael McGrath begins China trip ahead of St Patrick’s Day

The visit follows the Chinese premier’s visit to Ireland last month, which resulted in the country lifting its Irish beef suspension

Michael McGrath, the finance minister, said his goal with the trip was to strengthen links between the two nations and reach out to Irish communities in the Asian country. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Michael McGrath begins his six day trip to China for St Patrick’s Day today, with engagements to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing on the agenda.

The finance minister will undertake a series of meetings with the Chinese finance minister, business figures and members of the Irish community.

Speaking ahead of the trip, McGrath said his focus will be on communicating with Irish communities and maintaining the “momentum of high level engagement” with China.

“China is ...