On 18 February, H.E. Dr. Yue Xiaoyong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland was invited by and visited County Carlow and had a warm and fruitful meeting with Cathaoirleach Cllr. Brian O'Donoghue and Chief Executive Ms. Kathleen Holohan.

Ambassador Yue introduced latest development of China-Ireland subnational exchanges and cooperation and encouraged Carlow County Council to further strengthen its links with China. The Cathaoirleach and the Chief Executive expressed their readiness to make full use of Carlow's advantages and expand the County's exchanges and cooperation with its Chinese counterpart.

Also present were Ms. Olga Wang, First Secretary for Cultural and Tourism issues from the Embassy, Mr. Michael Brennan, Acting Director of Services of the County Council and Mr. Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise.