A delegation of 22 academics from China has arrived in Dublin for a three-day, fact-finding trip, with a view to potentially creating links between Chinese and Irish educational institutions.

The group will visit several colleges accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), as well as institutions in Britain, to see how accountancy is taught here.

The 22 programme directors, professors and lecturers represent 13 Chinese universities, which have a student population of 363,000 between them.

“The visit of the Chinese universities today highlights the growing importance of the relationship between the Irish and Chinese economies and the potential for increased investment and economic co-operation in key sectors such as education and financial services,” said Liz Hughes, head of ACCA Ireland.

The association said it was keen to help promote Ireland’s potential as a gateway to the European market for Chinese business.