Twinning bonds of Cork and Jiangsu province

John Forde of Cork Co Council talks to Jo Kerrigan about Cork’s economic and cultural links with China’s Jiangsu Province, writes Jo Kerrigan

Pictured in November 2017 unveiling Cork's twinning relationship with Jiangsu province in China were: Cllr Declan Hurley, then Mayor of Cork County, on behal of Cork County Council, and Governor Wu Zhenlong, on behalf of the Jiangsu Provincial Government.

The south-western region of Ireland has in fact been involved with the Jiangsu province since 2013, explains John Forde of the Economic Development, Tourism and Enterprise department of Cork County Council. It is generally believed that vast opportunities exist for business in the Jiangsu region, which accounts for no less than 10.4% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“There are three steps to forming an economic relationship,” explains Mr Forde.