The Taoiseach is in Beijing at the start of his week long visit to China.
Bertie Ahern will also visit Shanghai and Hong Kong, along with the largest trade delegation ever to travel abroad from Ireland.
He is being accompanied by four Cabinet ministers, as well as representatives of more than 200 Irish companies in a bid to boost trade between the two countries.
The visit is the Taoiseach's second official trip to China and Hong Kong since he took office.
During the six-day visit, Mr Ahern will meet China's President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.
Writing in the Irish Independent this morning, Mr Ahern said the visit will target new business opportunities, particularly in software and telecommunications, education services and environmental and engineering services.
Mr Ahern said trade between Ireland and China is currently worth €4bn a year, while Irish exports to China increased 27% last year.
He is also expected to address the issue of human rights abuses in China with the Chinese leadership.
