On October 30, 2013, Ma Kai, Vice Premier of the State Council, who was on an official visit to Ireland, met with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in Dublin.

Ma Kai said that the two countries established the strategic partnership of mutual benefit in 2012, which laid a solid foundation for future relations and cooperation between the two sides. The two countries should continue to enhance political mutual trust, deepen trade and investment exchanges, consolidate pragmatic cooperation in agriculture, culture, education, health, high-tech and other fields, and strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues. The bilateral economic and trade relations are growing with a good momentum. China has become the largest trading partner of Ireland in Asia for six consecutive years. The Irish economy is recovering despite the tests of the international financial crisis. The two sides should seize the opportunity and momentum to push bilateral economic and trade cooperation forward. The Chinese government will continue to attach importance to the development of Sino-Irish relations. Ma Kai expressed the hope that Ireland, as an important member of the European Union, could contribute positive forces to the friendly cooperation between China and EU.

Enda Kenny said that the two countries have a long history of friendly exchanges. The bilateral cooperation in various fields is moving deeper and deeper in recent years. Ireland thanked China for backing the European integration and the euro when the European economy is in a difficult time. Ireland expects to become a gateway for Chinese enterprises and commodities to enter Europe and is willing to further strengthen pragmatic cooperation with China in agriculture, finance, information industry, tourism, aviation, and other key areas.

On the 29th, Ma Kai talked with Eamon Gilmore, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views centering on trade, investment, agriculture, science & technology, education, tourism, finance and free trade zone development.

During the visit, Ma Kai also visited the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training of Ireland, the Digital Hub in Dublin and Keelings Food Central.