French trip lands Chinese offer

A MAJOR trade mission to France has unexpectedly resulted in an offer to set up offices in China to promote Cork businesses.

Cork County Council has been offered the opportunity to promote the region’s businesses in Shenzhen province, regarded as China’s silicon valley.

Sharon Corcoran, Cork County Council’s director of corporate services, confirmed that an offer had been made following a successful trade trip to La Rochelle, France.

Last week’s visit saw more than 100 people representing business and tourism groups in Cork meet French counterparts at one of the largest boat shows in Europe.

Andre Senecheau, vice president of the French Le Vienne Council, which controls an area the size of Munster, helped make the Chinese connection.

He introduced the Cork delegation to Kong Jun, a Chinese woman who works for French interests in her country.

“She has already offered us the use of offices. That area is very strong in technology, it is the techno capital of China,” Ms Corcoran said.

“It is certainly an opportunity we will explore.”

She said that the council would have to discuss the offer with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland and was very excited by the possibilities.

Cork County Council, which led the French trade mission with Fáilte Ireland, is intent on following up on the connections it made in France.

As a result of increased cooperation between Cork and the La Rochelle region, Aer Arann is expected to announce that it will extend the number of flights between the two locations next summer.

“Our number one objective is to raise the profile of Cork in France and encourage more tourists to visit here,” Ms Corcoran said.

The council has developed a marine strategy to encourage more yacht owners to visit west Cork in particular, and is keen to spend money on enhancing harbour facilities.

“The visit was very successful in terms of highlighting what we have to offer in Cork. But we now want to see what tangible business will come from that,” the senior county council official said.

The five-day boat show attracted more than 100,000 visitors. Many of them spent some time visiting the Cork pavilion.

Fiona Buckley, Fáilte Ireland south-west general manager, said she was delighted with the La Rochelle visit.

“There was a lot of positive feedback from those who put up stands. They had a lot of good quality inquiries,” Ms Buckley said.

She said that those inquiries came from affluent French people who would appreciate Cork’s marine heritage, it’s culture and sightseeing opportunities.

“This was a very key event for us. We will continue to promote Cork in France and in mainland Europe,” Ms Buckley said.