Tipperary Institute was invited to participate in the trade mission to China led by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D., Minister for Education and Science Batt O'Keeffe T.D. and Minister of State for Trade and Commerce John McGuinness T.D. that concluded Saturday 25th October 2008.
According to Tipperary Institute Chief Executive Padraig Culbert, the Institute is contributing to further development of the growing education links between Ireland and China, which is raising awareness of Ireland as a provider of world-class education programmes, attracting increasing numbers of Chinese students to Ireland and creating important benefits for both countries through enhanced cultural understanding and closer economic ties.
During the trade mission An Taoiseach said:
"I am extremely pleased with the success of this trade mission. Irish companies that are at the cutting edge of globally competitive solutions are key to a flourishing economic relationship with one of the world's most sought after trading partners. This trade mission is expanding a mutually beneficial relationship that extends into many industries in our respective economies."
An Taoiseach and the Minister for Education and Science emphasised the importance for Ireland of developing partnerships between Irish and Chinese institutions of higher learning. It is the Government's wish to increase the number of students from China studying in Ireland. This is a vital contributor to the 1.32 billion euro worth of trade that Ireland does with China.
“The trade mission provided a valuable opportunity for Tipperary Institute to further develop its links with Shanghai International Studies University and Beijing Normal University through direct formal discussions and at events hosted by Enterprise Ireland, The Consulate of Ireland in Shanghai and the Irish Embassy in Beijing. Senior representatives of our partner universities were impressed by the support offered by An Taoiseach and Minister O’Keefe for the initiatives taken by Tipperary Institute, and other Irish third level institutions, in China” said Mr Culbert.
The Trade Mission to China was the second largest to ever leave Ireland with 94 companies participating. Exports to China continue to grow. In 2007, Irish merchandise exports were €1.3bn which is a 50pc increase on the previous year. More than 80 Irish companies now have operations established in China.
Further information:
Gary Prosser 086 8170329 / gprosser@tippinst.ie
Picture:
Padraig Culbert, CEO of Tipperary Institute with An Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. and Minister for Education and Science, Mr Batt O'Keeffe, TD at the Irish Embassy in Beijing.
