China's visa-free policy continues to strengthen economic and cultural collaboration with Ireland, according to Peter Markey, chairperson of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in China. In a recent interview with CGTN, Markey highlighted how streamlined travel regulations have accelerated cooperation in education, technology, and cross-cultural exchanges since their implementation.
Shanghai has emerged as a critical hub for bilateral engagement, with Irish businesses increasingly leveraging the city's infrastructure and talent pool. "The connectivity we're seeing in 2026 goes beyond trade figures," Markey noted. "It's about creating sustainable partnerships that benefit communities on both sides."
The policy's impact extends to cultural diplomacy, evidenced by upcoming performances from Irish musical group Westlife in Shanghai. Such exchanges coincide with growing Irish investment in China's tech sector and collaborative university programs focused on artificial intelligence research.
CGTN reporters Zhang Siran and Li Siqi contributed to this analysis.
