Plans are underway for a World Trade Centre-type hub for Chinese industry in Westmeath, with the potential to create up to 10,000 jobs over five years.
The Taoiseach has held talks with potential investors behind a multi-million euro project aimed at attracting major Chinese investment to Athlone.
Westmeath County Council is debating a proposal to re-zone hundreds of acres of land in Creggan where the development would be built.
Speaking to Midlands 103, Brian Cowen said decisons taken by the Government have been seen in a positive light by the international community and that may help this project.