Taoiseach Enda Kenny will hold talks with one of China’s most powerful political figures to boost trade, investment and tourism links.

Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, will spend two days in Ireland with the first meeting with Mr Kenny at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo.

The Chinese leader will be accompanied by a number of government ministers as well as his wife Professor Cheng. A number of other Irish Ministers will also join the meeting.

In a statement ahead of the visit, the Government said the two day trip was the latest step in the deepening of contacts and relations between Ireland and China at the highest level.

It follows on from the Taoiseach’s visit to China in 2012.

“It will also provide an opportunity to showcase Ireland to a wide Chinese audience as a location for investment, tourism and high quality food production,” the Government said.

The trip will also include the Taoiseach and Premier Li visiting a farm in the Headford area which the Government said would give the Chinese leader first-hand experience of Ireland’s high-quality agri-food sector and to help promote Ireland as an environmentally friendly tourism destination.

The farm visit will also include a celebration of traditional Irish music and dance which has enjoyed a strong interest in China in recent years.

Premier Li is an economist and is the head of government and regarded as being one of the key stewards of the future growth of one of the world’s largest economies.