A host of new trade agreements have been signed between Ireland and China, which, it is hoped, could herald the recovery of the Irish economy.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Xi Jinping, China’s vice president – the man tipped to become the country’s leader later this year – presided over the agreements between state agencies, government bodies, higher education establishments and private firms on Saturday at Dublin Castle.

The protocols could provide a significant boost for the Irish economy through the establishment of links with the global powerhouse and its thriving industrial sectors.

In 2010, trade between the two nations was worth approximately 4.2 billion euro (£3.5bn) – up from just 715 million euro a decade earlier.

Richard Bruton, Ireland’s Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said it is part of Dublin’s plan to rejuvenate the economy by enhancing its links with China and encouraging the import and export of goods between them.

He added: “This will be of assistance to Irish businesses seeking to break into the Chinese for the first time and expand their activities there.”

On his three-day visit to Ireland Mr Xi focused on topics such as employment, trade, leisure and farming as he looked to further establish China’s relationship with the European Union.