Trade mission to China draws criticism
07/10/2003 - 08:47:44Amnesty International is criticising Ireland's trade visit to China this week for its failure to address the country's poor human rights record.
President McAleese is taking part in a visit, along with an Enterprise Ireland trade mission.
It is hoped that business links, worth millions of euro, will be forged with China during the trip.
However, Secretary General of Amnesty Ireland Colm O'Cuanachain says it is shortsighted not to mention China's human rights problems.
Amnesty International is urging the President and Enterprise Ireland to use this week's high profile visit to China to promote human rights.
The trade visit taking in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai is hoped to earn Irish business €40m immediately and much more in future business deals.
