On the 1st of February, Representative Tu visited the city of Dundalk and met with many members of the local community to discuss cooperation between Taiwan and Ireland in the areas of trade, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology. The Chairperson of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Michael Gaynor, city councillors, business representatives, professors from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) and other political and business leaders expressed a warm welcome to Representative Tu on his arrival.
The bilateral discussions were opened by Chairperson Gaynor who introduced Representative Tu. Representative Tu addressed the Chamber on the current situation of Taiwan's economy and trade, Taiwan-Ireland bilateral relations, investment opportunities and cross-strait relations. Representative Tu stressed the importance of Dundalk, given its strategic location close to the border with Northern Ireland. With Britain's departure from the European Union, it was remarked that Dundalk will become a vital bridge between Ireland and Britain, which will be conducive to economic development, tourism, education and investment in the city. Furthermore, Representative Tu remarked that the EU is crucially important to Taiwan as its fifth largest trading partner. Taiwan's substantial growth, based upon market liberalization, liberal democracy and a strong of rule of law, means that Taiwan can be used as a key springboard into the Asian market for Irish business people. Representative Tu further pointed out that Taiwan is the 22nd largest economy in the world and plays a key role in the global electronics and ICT industry. Taiwan’s communications industry and Ireland's biotechnology industry are complementary and mutually beneficial. Trade volume between the two countries is currently at €600 million but there is still room for development. There is strong demand in the Taiwanese market for Irish agricultural and animal husbandry products, pharmaceuticals, biochemistry and whiskey produce and bilateral economic and trade cooperation should be strengthened. In addition, a large domestic market of 23 million people makes Taiwan a sound choice for the Irish business sector. Representative Tu hoped that Irish business people will explore the Taiwanese market more in order to expand trade between the two countries. The speech was warmly received by those present and concluded after Q&A.
Representative Tu then visited the Great Northern Distillery, and spoke with the manager, David Hynes. Mr. Hynes said that he was very impressed by the high level of social and economic development in Taiwan. He also introduced the Irish whiskey market in detail to Representative Tu, including the production process and characteristics of the whiskey. The high quality of Irish whiskey has been noticed by Taiwanese consumers and demand for it has grown much in recent years. In reciprocation, Representative Tu introduced those present to Taiwan’s internationally renowned Kavalan whisky, which will hopefully be the first of many exchanges in the whiskey market between Taiwan and Ireland.
1. Representative Tu with the Chairperson of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Michael Gaynor (second from right), city councillors and representatives from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
2. Chairperson Gaynor of the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, giving his welcoming speech.
3. Representative Tu speaking about Taiwan’s economic and trade situation, Taiwan-Ireland bilateral relations, investment opportunities and cross-strait development.
4. Representative Tu presenting Mr. Gaynor with a Taiwanese high mountain tea
5. Representative Tu visited the Great Northern Distillery where he paused for a photo opportunity with the director, the manager and local businessman Bernhard Gruendemann (first from left).