I’m currently en route to Beijing, China.

Last week I was asked to come here on behalf of Enda Kenny, to represent Fine Gael at the China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum.

It’s the second such forum to take place and its focus is on new opportunities for cooperation between the EU and China, in terms of Europe’s 20-20 Strategy and China’s 12^th five year plan.

Since the new government was formed I have spoken with the Taoiseach on a couple of occasions about the importance of greater engagement with China and the potential to build upon the current trade relationship, currently worth about €4Bn – the Taoiseach hopes to travel to China later in the year (see my Parliamentary Question). While it is by no means an area of expertise on my part, it is an area of interest, and I have worked with many Chinese in Vienna and Geneva so I have some contacts.

I left Sunday morning and will return to Dublin on Friday. It’s a pretty packed schedule and I’ve added to it by arranging a number of meetings on the side where time allows. But I hope to keep the site up to date as to what’s going on here and give you my impressions of the country.

The other great thing about this trip is the cost; not one cent is coming from the tax payer. I will claim no expenses, personal or on the government side. Fine Gael paid for the flights (economy!), the Communist Party of China is paying for the hotel, and I took the Aircoach to the airport at my own expense.

Time to get some sleep.