Mr Zhu Rongji flew in for a hectic and high-tech visit to Kerry yesterday.
The main focus was an indepth presentation by Shannon Free Airport Development Company on bringing development to the regions, as well as an inspection of the headquarters of financial services company FEXCO in Killorglin.
The afternoon visit to FEXCO was the Chinese Premier's only appointment with a private company during his stay in Ireland.
Security was tight at Kerry airport in Farranfore where the Aer Lingus Saint Gall touched down shortly after midday.
Mr Zhu and his wife, Madame Lao An, were presented with flowers - green and gold for Kerry and red and gold for China - by Anna (10) and Paul (12), the children of Mr Paul O'Donoghue, chairman of Kerry County Council and brother to the Minister for Justice.
The 100-strong Chinese party, accompanied by Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Tom Kitt, were greeted by senior officials from Kerry County Council and Killarney, including Mr O'Donoghue; Mr Martin Nolan, Kerry county manager; Mr Tom Curran, Killarney town manager; and Ms Sheila Casey, vice-chairperson of Killarney UDC, as well as airport representatives.
A musical greeting was led by St John's Pipe Band, Tralee. The 600 FEXCO employees in Killorglin were subjected to security checks, although the majority were not allowed near Mr Zhu and his retinue.
Mr Zhu, who hopes to develop the IT sector in China, was interested to see how FEXCO, located in one of Europe's most peripheral regions, has developed a global business through the telecommunications network.
During his three-year term as mayor of Shanghai between 1987 and 1990, Mr Zhu oversaw major changes in telecommunications.
FEXCO group chairman Mr Brian McCarthy greeted Mr Zhu, who oversaw a transaction and unveiled a plaque to his visit.
Mr Denis Crowley, marketing director with FEXCO, said the company hoped the visit would lead to close links and potential business between itself and Chinese companies.
A group of around 15 Tibetan supporters and representatives from Amnesty International protested in Killorglin. At Hotel Europe, where the party stayed overnight - most of them in a separate wing - all other guests and visitors wore identity tags.
Members of the Emergency Response Group could be seen on the roof and in the bushes. Magnetometers greeted all who entered and left the five-star lakeside hotel.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, hosted a dinner last night at the hotel.
The party leave Kerry this morning for Dublin Airport and a ceremonial farewell.