How Ireland's free trade zone model inspired the Shenzhen SEZ

In Callanan's recollection, the training program consisted of classroom sessions and site visits. In the class, the Chinese visitors were introduced to the layout of the industrial stage, the physical infrastructure and the design of the incentives.

Callanan noted there was an interesting spectrum of skills among the people in the delegation with different areas of expertise. "Some of them had a very strong interest in the engineering aspect, and some in the marketing aspect," he added.

"They genuinely wanted to learn, but I do not think they were on a mission at that stage, because I do not think they knew if it would work. They were exploring," Callanan said.

Relaxed facial expressions from the Chinese toward the end of the three weeks gave a clear indication to Callanan that the program was a success.

"They were laughing and chuckling among themselves though still in Chinese," he said, "I think we sensed that something was happening, because there were literally jokes over dinner and we knew on the final day that it had been a success."

The Chinese government subsequently opened four special economic zones in 1980 based on the Shannon model. These became a major driving force for China's economy, allowing private investment to flow into the country and for a huge transfer of skills and technology to take place.

The establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, the first town modelled on Shannon, was a turning point for China's economy.

Tom Carroll, the former manager of the development cooperation program, also involved in the training for the Chinese delegation in 1980, said: "When I visited Shenzhen in the mid-1980s,I was kind of overwhelmed because this was one enormous building site. We were driving for about 30 to 45 minutes, and it was nothing but development, so that made a huge impression on me."

Once a small fishing village, the city of Shenzhen, now with a population of 10 million, has grown to have a GDP bigger than Ireland, exceeding $340 billion (241 billion pounds) in 2017.

Carroll said, "What I always find it very difficult to understand is the magnitude of it in China, and how you scaled up the whole thing –that's kind of beyond my thinking.

"You need to have that insight because very often when you are thinking of such a big scale, you don't understand the importance of something very simple," he added.