Representative Simon S.K. Tu visited the city of Drogheda on the 12th of March in order to further promote Taiwan relations with different regions of Ireland. During the visit, he met and exchanged opinions with leaders of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, political, companies, culture and tourism circles. There was a very harmonious atmosphere and the trip was productive in actively promoting bilateral cooperation, in particular, Drogheda and Taiwan.
First, Representative Tu visited the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce and spoke about; “Taiwan’s Economic Development, Taiwan-Ireland Trade Development, Investment Opportunities and Prospects” to the key members of the Chamber. He detailed the progress of Taiwan, the development of bilateral relations of Taiwan and Ireland, and the exchange of cross-strait relations. He also pointed out that Taiwan is a society of freedom, progress and democracy, with a high rule of law. In fact, Taiwan can serve as a springboard for Irish businesses seeking to enter the Asian market. Drogheda is close to Dublin airport, and it’s industrial, commerce and transportation industries are extremely well developed. Representative Tu emphasized that the bilateral trade between Taiwan and Ireland has reached more than 800 million Euro (a growth rate of 15% to the previous year and 50% growth since 2015). Ireland has become the 12th largest European trading partner (originally 17th) through trade such as ICT electronic, agricultural products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, biochemicals, milk powder and whiskey. Whilst this progress has been promising, there is still plenty of room for growth. Representative Tu encouraged people from all walks of life in Drogheda to explore the Taiwan market in order to expand the opportunities and development of bilateral economic and trade investment.
Representative Tu was also invited to visit the renowned “Boann Distillery” and was warmly welcomed by President Patrick Cooney. Representative Tu enjoyed a tour of the latest equipment and products in the distillery, and also promoted Taiwan-produced “Kavalan Whiskey” which won many British and International awards. He then visited “Nature’s Best” , a large local fresh vegetable manufacturing company. This company’s annual revenue exceeds 30 million euro, as a large number of products are both exported to the United Kingdom and supplied daily to well-known supermarkets throughout Ireland such as Tesco, SuperValu, etc. Representative Tu spoke about Taiwan’s food production, sales, packaging and advanced machinery specialising in production equipment. Finally, Representative Tu visited Drogheda’s well known “Boyne Group Food Company” and met with company founder Malachy McClosky to discuss potential cooperation plans. Boyne Group Food Company produces a variety of branded goods, including Boyne Valley Honey, Chivers, Killeen and many more. The high quality products are loved by Irish and international customers. Chairman McClosky was very interested in Representative Tu’s explanation of Taiwan’s economic and trade, import and export, market demand and manufacturing of advanced machinery and equipment, etc. He expressed an interest in traveling to Taiwan to further explore potential economic and trade cooperation between Ireland and Taiwan.
Representative r Tu visited the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce and spoke of "Taiwan-Ireland Economic and Trade Relations Development and Investment Opportunities."
Representative Tu with leaders of Drogheda's business community.
Representative Tu visits the famous "Boann Distillery" and pictured with Chairman Patrick Cooney (centre).
Representative Tu enjoys a group photo with staff members of Nature’s Best.
Representative Tu pictured with Chairman Malachy McClosky (centre) at the well-known “Boyne Group Food Company”.
