Ireland is expected to secure a series of “door-opening” agreements when China’s leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping visits the country this weekend.

It is hoped the three-day visit will herald a strong boost in trade with China, as the Government looks to reap the benefits from its “Asia strategy”.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, who is also the foreign affairs minister, is set to sign a number of deals with Mr Xi to pave the way for Irish firms to sell goods in China and vice-versa.

Ministers have so far highlighted lucrative opportunities for food and drink exports to China.

Medical devices, tourism, education, pharmaceuticals and IT are some of the other areas being singled out for exports, while there have been suggestions that there could be collaboration in alternative energy research.

Mr Gilmore has outlined the huge possibilities China could provide for Ireland’s economic recovery.

“There’s just enormous potential,” he said. “This is a significant visit politically, but also at this point in Ireland’s recovery path.”