Ties with Taiwan would be a boost

FOREMOST in the minds of politicians and voters alike is Ireland’s prospects for economic recovery, and the means by which to best effect this.

We need to maximise job creation, create and develop new trade channels, enhance our scientific co-operation, boost tourism, and build for the future. One approach to do this is to broaden our base of trading and exchange partners.

I believe that a missing piece in past Irish policy has been meaningful exchange with Asian nations, and, in particular, with Taiwan.

Having been to Taiwan on many occasions, I can advocate increased links with informed conviction.

I truly believe that there is great potential for our countries to work together and aid each other’s development.

An economic alliance and increased knowledge exchange would stand us both in better stead. A small island nation not exactly blessed with natural resources, like ourselves, Taiwan too has chosen education and innovation as its weapons of development. It has invested in many of the same hi-tech and green areas as Ireland and our enterprises can certainly work together. Even throughout recession, Taiwan continued to increase its investment in R&D and we would stand to gain immense technical expertise through collaboration.

In 2010, it posted economic growth of 10.47%, saw overseas trade volume rise to USD$526bn, and unemployment fall to 4.6%.

Today, everyone realises the importance of SMEs in economic growth and development. In this area Taiwan can really contribute.

SME has been the cornerstone of success there and SMEs account for 98% of all registered businesses. They employ 78.5% of the total workforce, and generate huge wealth.

As I prepare to leave political life, I urge my parliamentary colleagues who will take up office: Taiwan has signalled that it is ready, willing and keen to increase its substantive ties with Ireland. There are gains to be made across the board — from academic co-operation to mutual trade and investment, and tourism – I have only scratched the surface here.

The introduction of a visa-waiver for Taiwanese nationals in July 2009 was an important first step, and heralded the first major Taiwanese investment in Ireland, not to mention bringing a considerable boost to our flagging tourism revenues. Now is the perfect time to appraise the obvious benefits and to really actively pursue, promote and develop this relationship.

Noel O’ Flynn

Outgoing TD

Cork North Central Constituency