On 14 February 2019, H.E. Dr. Yue Xiaoyong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland， visited innovative enterprises and institutions including GMIT, Portershed, Curam and Anecto in Galway at the invitation of Mr. Bertie Ahern, former Irish Taoiseach. Ambassador Yue had in-depth discussions with these enterprises and institutions respectively to gain an all-round understanding of Ireland's valuable practices and unique experience in supporting innovative start-ups and forming the innovative ecosystem.

Ambassador Yue also shared that China is applying a new vision of development, taking innovation in a forefront to transform the growth model and improve the economic structure to maintain stable and sound economic development and make significant contribution to the global economic growth. He highlighted the strong momentum of the growth for the Sino-Irish ties and stressed that there would be more opportunities of exchanges and cooperation between China and Ireland under the backdrop of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland. He also expressed the readiness to support for further exchanges and cooperation in innovation sector between China and Ireland.

Mr. Ahern and people from enterprises and institutions expressed their hope for further improving exchanges and cooperation in those areas with China.

Also present were Mr. Hong Jiqing, Chief of Science, Education and Culture Section and Mr. Shen Mingchun, Chief of Political and Press Section of the Embassy.