During his visit, President Michael D Higgins pointed to the 91 Irish companies working in China and how the country's external investment would exceed its internal investment this year, and the success of the Chinese economy.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said the number would continue to grow but getting boots on the ground in China was essential.

"Ireland is a long way away and Chinese people like to see a presence here," Sinnamon said at a Chinese Academy of Sciences event during the visit. "The first advice that we give to Irish companies coming to China is that they need to commit to the market. They are not going to come in and make a quick buck. We recommend they do their homework, that they set up a presence in China. We have 91 companies . . . here and that number is increasing every month."

EI’s remit covers everything from software, services, agritech and medical instruments. It is also involved in foreign direct investment in the food sector. Boosting the food companies was a key aspect of the visit. China does have a reputation for being bureaucratic, but this is not insurmountable.

“Talking to the companies here, it’s predictable. One of they key things we do with our offices is help people navigate the roads and expedite the market.”