Taipei Representative Office in Ireland hosts 106th National Day Reception
On 10th October 2017, the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland hosted its annual gala National Day Reception in Dublin. Representative Simon S.K. Tu was joined by members of the Taiwanese community in Ireland and Irish people from all walks of life including members of the Oireachtas, foreign diplomats, businesspeople and dignitaries from academia, culture, media and science & technology. Approximately 300 people were present for the event which was held in a warm and lively atmosphere.
The Reception began with the National Anthems of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Ireland before Representative Tu gave his speech to those present. He spoke of the 2016 general election in Taiwan and of the huge advances in domestic and foreign policy made in the past year by the new Government. In domestic policy, Representative Tu spoke of Taiwan’s goals to become Asia’s Silicon Valley and centre of Green Energy Technology. He also spoke of Taiwan’s excellent social welfare and healthcare system, and increased Security budget that is contributing to peace and prosperity throughout Asia. In economics, Representative Tu spoke of the “5 +2” economic model and increased spending in infrastructure, improvements in food safety and strengthening of the social security safety net amongst other initiatives.
In foreign policy, Representative Tu spoke of Taiwan’s desire to work for the mutual benefit of all countries and to pursue closer links with the EU, USA, Japan and South East Asia while also seeking worthwhile participation in international organisations. Speaking of the increasingly close relations between Ireland and Taiwan (with Ireland now Taiwan’s 43rd largest trade partner in the world and its 12th biggest trading partner in the EU), He expressed his hope that Ireland could break into the top ten of Taiwan’s EU trading partners during his tenure.
Chairman of the “Taiwan Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Association”; Mr. John McGuinness T.D. also spoke at the event and cut the National Day Cake with Representative Tu. This was followed by a special performance of the Taiwanese “Third Prince” culture Dance and by the Chinese and western gala buffet. Overall the event proved to be a great success and the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland would like to thank all those who attended and helped to make such a wonderful occasion possible.
Representative Simon S.K. Tu speaking at the 106th National Day Reception.
Deputy John McGuinness speaking to guests at the event.
Representative Tu and Deputy McGuinness cutting the National Day cake.
Representative Tu, and Deputy McGuinness and VIPs pictured with the Taiwanese “Third Prince”.
