Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foreign Trade.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

68 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made to promote business and enterprise between Ireland and Taiwan; and the present position of the IDA office in Taipei. [8332/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Enterprise Ireland is proactive in seeking new business in Taiwan for Irish companies and we are concentrating primarily on the IT and software sectors. Enterprise Ireland uses the services of a consultancy in Taiwan to provide services for companies seeking assistance in Taiwan on a reactive basis. Enterprise Ireland's director, based in Singapore, makes regular visits to the area to support the local consultancy.

IDA Ireland has had a presence in Taiwan for over ten years through the office of International Trade Ireland located in the World Trade Centre, Taipei. Despite ten years in this territory, limited opportunities have presented themselves in the form of Taiwanese investment in Ireland. However, in 1999, two projects were secured both of which are operating successfully in Ireland namely, Hon Hai located in Mullingar and Chai Cherne located in Carrick-on-Suir.

The International Trade Ireland office in Taipei is currently staffed by a Taiwanese national and the IDA director in Asia Pacific based in Tokyo makes regular visits to Taiwan to support the local staff member. The IDA considers that the level of staff in the office is adequate at present to service the potential which the market offers.