Council votes to twin capital with Beijing
DUBLIN City Council has voted to twin the capital with Beijing in an attempt to bring new business opportunities to the city.
The issue was voted on by councillors at last night's meeting after it was championed by Fine Gael.
Lord Mayor Gerry Breen welcomed the twinning, saying: "The symbolic act of friendship will create a positive climate of confidence and enthusiasm in the future and lead to real business being done between Ireland and China."
Currently just one of China's major corporations -- Huawei -- has a headquarters in Europe.
There are up to 10 others seeking a European headquarters, preferably in an English speaking country, and the councillors are hoping to attract some here.
However, Amnesty International has said that China has an "appalling human rights record" and has urged local representatives not to turn a blind eye to abuses in the pursuit of economic gain.
Irish Independent
