An invitation has been thrown open for more Irish enterprises to invest in China, so they can play their part in developing the huge potential for economic and trade co-operation between the two countries.

The offer came on Friday when Premier Wen Jiabao met visiting Irish President Mary McAleese. He also showed appreciation for the Irish Government's Asian strategy and its policy of giving priority to ties in Asia.

Ireland is going to put a heating equipment factory -- its largest investment in Asia -- in Shenyang in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesman. McAleese will visit Shenyang this weekend after wrapping up her Beijing visit.

Ireland has also earmarked the provinces in Southwest China as key areas to implement its bilateral co-operation.

Wen said the investment plans coincide with China's strategies of exploring its western hinterland and rejuvenating its northeastern areas.

The Chinese premier also proposed that China and Ireland enhance their partnership in such high-tech areas as software, biology and information technology, where Ireland has a strong competitive edge.

The Irish president said her accompanying business mission, comprising of 150 participants, is a concrete expression of the desire to reinforce bilateral ties.

McAleese conveyed the same message to students and faculty of Peking University when she delivered a speech outlining Ireland's role in international affairs and its relationship with China.

Sun Lizhou, a senior with the School of International Studies at the university, said: "Her speech was very interesting and informative.''

Sun said his interest in the lecture was partly due to the colour of the Irish culture and partly because of the president herself, as she is the second female president in Irish history.

Responding to a question about working in a political world largely dominated by men, McAleese said women should keep their ambition to be all the things they can be and release all of their brilliance into the world.

The president also attended a gala performance of the Irish show Riverdance on Friday evening. Its Chinese debut came the night before in the Great Hall of the People.

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