Representative Tu visited County Mayo on the 23rd of January this year to meet with local authorities to discuss bilateral trade cooperation. He arrived County Mayo and was warmly welcomed by local political and business leaders from all walks of life. Representative Tu stressed to those present that Taiwan is a free, progressive and democratic society that can be used by Irish businesses as a springboard into the Asian market. In addition, Taiwan's bilateral economic and trade volume has increased significantly in the past year, with excellent results.
Representative Tu also remarked that Taiwan is the 22nd largest economy in the world and plays a vital role in the global electronics industry. Given that the total trade volume of Taiwan-Ireland bilateral trade amounts to only €600 million, there is still much room for improvement in this area. Irish agriculture and food products, medicine and biochemistry, and Irish whiskey are in demand in the Taiwanese market and bilateral economic and trade cooperation should be strengthened to promote these important sectors. The Taiwan market is open, the financial and judicial systems are highly internationalized, and the business sector can expand bilateral economic and trade investment opportunities and enterprises. There was a positive response to Representative Tu’s words amongst the participants, who roundly agreed that Taiwan-Ireland bilateral trade relations should be strengthened.
In addition, Representative Tu visited two local whiskey distilleries. David Stapleton, the manager of the Connaught whiskey distillery and Mark Quick, the manager of the Nephin whiskey distillery, both detailed the local whiskey production process and invited their guests to try some of their delicious products. Representative Tu also briefed those present on the potential of the Taiwanese liquor market and the internationally renowned Kumaran whiskey. He also provided more general information on Taiwan and remarked that he looked forward to more opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the future.
Photo caption 1: Representative Tu speaking to those present about Taiwan's economic and trade development, investment opportunities and Taiwan-Ireland bilateral relations
Photo caption 2: An introduction for the locally produced and well-known Nephin whiskey distillery
