NI Leaders To Travel To Beijing Next Week

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have met the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, ahead of their return trip to China next week.

The leaders previously met the ambassador during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Madam Liu Yandong to the region in April last year.

Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness then travelled to China on a trade mission a few months later, when they announced a £1m export deal for a Carrickfergus business.

Vice Premier Madam Liu has now invited the two politicians to visit Beijing to further their discussions on possible opportunities for future work and partnerships.

Mr Robinson said: "In November 2012 we led a six-day visit to Shanghai and Hong Kong promoting trade, investment, tourism and university links as well as encouraging research partnerships in China.

"Following on from the visit of Madame Liu Yandong and our discussions on areas of cooperation we must continue to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship with China in areas including education, culture and the economy. Our imminent visit to Beijing is the next important stage in that relationship."

Mr McGuinness added: "We have a lot to offer China with our first rate universities, a highly educated workforce and high performing businesses. Our growing reputation in global markets for quality products and services, combined with a skilled and flexible talent pool is attracting global names in financial services, IT, Legal Services and outsourcing.

"We will also be using this visit to promote and expand cultural, sporting and education exchanges and to encourage more people from China to come and visit the north of Ireland."

The ministers will meet with Madam Liu Yandong, Ministers in Commerce, Education and Foreign Relations to continue initial talks during Madam Liu's visit.

(JP/CD)