Though the pandemic has reduced cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Ireland, trade activities have actually grown, and Ireland hopes to deepen cooperation with China as the country embarks on another level of opening up, said Joseph Keating, trade counsellor from Ireland's embassy in Beijing.

Ireland hopes to enhance cooperation with China in service trade areas including financial services, investment, medical technology, education, cultural products and tourism, said Keating during this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

The trade counsellor said cooperation between China and Ireland has been increasing during the pandemic in areas such as the exchange of medical technologies and the trading of personal protection equipment.

Keating said that he expects the two countries to deepen cooperation in digital trade and commerce, and high-tech such as AI. He also expressed hope that more trade events could be set up where governmental organizations and companies from different countries meet, talk and share ideas.

During this year's CIFTIS, more than 60 countries and international organizations participated and set up exhibition stands to showcase their countries' signature products and services to China. Ireland has participated in CIFTIS since it was first held last year.

(Cover image: more than 60 countries and international organizations participated the 2021 CIFTIS. /CGTN)