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The following is a joint press release issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and Ireland:

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (January 21) met with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., who is in Hong Kong on a two-day visit at the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The two leaders reviewed progress made in recent years in bilateral cooperation between Ireland and Hong Kong. Discussions centred on latest developments in both places and on how the two economies could further strengthen ties not only in the economic and trade areas but also in areas such as education, information communication technology, taxation, justice, transport, culture and civil service exchange. They agreed that there will be follow up co-operation between the Hong Kong authorities and the Irish administration on the range of areas listed.

After the bilateral meeting, Mr Tung and Mr Ahern witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning a Working Holiday Scheme. The two sides also initialled an Agreement on the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders.

Mr Tung said: "Bilateral ties between Ireland and Hong Kong go back a long way. Hong Kong hosts the largest Irish community in Asia. We are particularly thankful for the enormous contribution that the Irish community had made towards the development of education in Hong Kong. To strengthen our already close links, the Taoiseach and I agree to push for co-operation in areas of mutual interests and in a more comprehensive and structured manner. We have identified a number of potential areas for further work. I have also updated the Taoiseach on the significant role that we play in the economic development of the Mainland of China. We would welcome more Irish businesses to use Hong Kong as the base for entering the huge Mainland China market."

The Taoiseach said: "Ireland has always had warm and friendly relations with Hong Kong and I would like to see these develop further. I welcome the opportunity for closer collaboration particularly in the area of software and telecommunications, education and engineering services. This is in line with the Irish Government's Asia strategy which has been in place for the past six years. The strategy has contributed in a significant way to the development of our relations with Hong Kong, mainland China and other Asian countries."

The Taoiseach was accompanied on his visit by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Micheal Martin T.D. and the Minister for Telecommunications, Marine and Natural Resources - Mr Noel Dempsey T.D.

During the Taoiseach's stay in Hong Kong, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, will accompany him to visit the Wah Yan College which was founded by Jesuit priests from Ireland. A pilot programme for the exchange of secondary school students between Ireland and Hong Kong will be set up.

Separately, Mr Ahern will also meet the Irish community in Hong Kong. His visit coincides with the visit of the GAA Allstars and he will have an opportunity to attend a Gaelic Football Match on Saturday evening in Hong Kong's Happy Valley and meet the team afterwards.

Ends/Friday, January 21, 2005

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