TÁNAISTE EAMON GILMORE today begins a four-day trade mission to east Asia.

The four-day trip will see Gilmore visit Japan and Korea, hoping to strengthen Ireland’s political and economic relations with the two countries.

The Tánaiste first visits Japan, where he will discuss trade relations with the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Osamu Fujimura, and attend a series of business and trade-related events.

His Japanese engagements will include meetings with the Ireland-Japan Chamber of Commerce, and a meeting with a representative organisation for major Japanese corporations.

He then moves on to Korea where he will deliver a keynote address to the Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum as well as meeting senior Irish business people and their clients.

He will also hold meetings with Yu Woo-ik, South Korea’s Minister of Unification, and the vice-minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Min Dong-seok.

While in Korea, Gilmore will also officially open the 2011 Asian Gaelic Games.

Gilmore described the trip as “a timely opportunity to promote trade and investment with these partners in Asia”.

He said it was important to build on the momentum created by the Global Irish Economic Forum and the inauguration of the Export Trade Council ”to grow our business in these key markets”.