On February 26th, Representative Simon S.K. Tu visited the city of Limerick to meet with the Mayor, the Chambers of Commerce, the University of Limerick, politicians and business, cultural and tourism leaders. The visit was extremely productive, and greatly enhanced bilateral cooperation between Ireland and Taiwan.
During his visit to the Limerick Chamber of Commerce and the Shannon Chamber of Commerce, Representative Tu indicated on how Limerick is the centre of biotechnology development in Ireland as home to one of the world’s top ten biotechnology factories. Furthermore, the Shannon’s ‘Free Trade Zone’ has been widely acknowledged and hugely duplicated in other countries, including Taiwan. Taiwan, like Ireland, has also increased interest and focus for economic development in the transportation and medical, pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries. As a free, progressive, democratic society, Taiwan can act as a springboard for entrepreneurs to enter the Asian market, particularly those associated with biotech companies such as Stryker.
Representative Tu emphasised the progress of development and strengthening of bilateral relations between Taiwan and Ireland. The trade volume between Taiwan and Ireland has reached over 800 million euro (a 15% increase on last year and 50% increase since 2015). In fact, Ireland is already the 12th largest trading partner for Taiwan (formally 17th). He also envisions great potential for future bilateral economic and trade relations with agriculture, import and export, science and technology, machinery, wind power and solar energy.
Whilst in Limerick, Representative Tu also paid a visit to the University of Limerick to exchange opinions on industrial cooperation, science and technology, and academic, educational, cultural and artistic relations. He described the high levels of trade between Taiwan and Ireland in terms of electronics, agricultural, machinery, medicine, biochemistry, milk powder and whiskey. Taiwan, with a population of 23 million people, is a top choice for Irish trade exportation and importation. Due to Taiwan’s free and open market, the financial, banking, taxation and judicial systems all abide by international standards.
People from all walks of life in Limerick can go and explore the Taiwan market to expand economic trade and investment opportunities as well as enterprise and development. Moreover, due to the academic freedom in Taiwan, educational and academic cooperation is just around the corner.
Representative Tu meets with Limerick Chambers of Commerce, city council and business leaders of all sectors.
Limerick Municipal Development Project.
