Dublin 8 was host to a high level delegation from the Chinese government last Tuesday, the 29th of October 2013. The visit was part of China’s official visit to Ireland which revolved around building closer ties through the China-Ireland Strategic Partnership.
The Chinese officials were joined by the Dublin Mayor, Oisin Quinn, and Irish government and business representatives, alongside members of the Digital Hub Development Agency. The visit to the Digital Hub was specifically used to discuss the latest Irish developments in digital technology, bioprocessing and food.
Our far eastern cousins sent over one of their top boys to The Digital Hub. Ma Kai is officially the Vice Premier of China, which is more like a ministers role. There are currently four Vice Premiers, all with different portfolio’s. Ma Kai is responsible for industry, transport, banking, human resources and social security – a pretty extensive job when you consider China’s population!
Speaking during the visit, Edel Flynn (Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Hub Development Agency) said: “Vice Premier Ma’s visit is the culmination of years of work between The Digital Hub and our contacts within both the Chinese government and private enterprise in China. Over the past 10 years, we have hosted a number of delegations from China who came to The Digital Hub to see what was being done here in terms of fostering digital enterprise, and how this could be replicated in their own country.
“China’s tech sector is at a more nascent stage than Ireland’s, and the delegations that have visited The Digital Hub over the years have been particularly interested in how to develop a strong indigenous digital sector, whilst also attracting foreign direct investment and big-name, global digital brands. Since the 1970s, Ireland has built on its IT manufacturing base to become a world leader in digital and tech.
“China is a priority market for Ireland in terms of bilateral trade, and I believe there is strong potential to increase trade in the area of digital products and services, in particular. The Digital Hub has built up a strong understanding of the Chinese market and excellent links with the Chinese government down through the years. As a result, we are well placed to advise Irish digital companies that are looking to break into – or expand their operations in – the Chinese market. And we are also well placed to advise Chinese enterprises looking to locate here.
“In recent years, many of the 70-plus companies based at The Digital Hub have, increasingly, looked to China as a key export market and trade partner.”
IMAGE: Edel Flynn, CEO of The Digital Hub receives a gift from Mr. Ma Kai, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, and his delegation during a visit to The Digital Hub as the lord Mayor of Dublin Oisin Quinn watches on – image credit: The Digital Hub/Marc O’Sullivan
