RED CARPET ROLLED OUT FOR TAIWANESE AMBASSADOR
THE red carpet was well and truly rolled out in Enniscorthy as Taiwanese Ambassador to Ireland Mr Simon Tu arrived for a special visit. The ambassador took in all the sights and sounds of historic Enniscorthy and was welcomed to the Castle by Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment society in full traditional dress.
The ambassador had enjoyed a lunch date with District Manager Liz Hore, council officials and representatives of the local business community, where he had discussed the possibilities of advancing cultural and economic relations between Wexford and Taiwan. Earlier that morning he visited antenna provider Taoglas on the Old Dublin Road a company which currently has manufacturing links with Mr Tu’s home country.
Chairman of the Enniscorthy Municipal District Keith Doyle said that the ambassador was very pro-active and practical and said that it was a matter for Enniscorthy ‘getting its ducks in a row’ to progress and advance the relationship with Taiwan.
‘We were delighted to give Mr Tu a taste of what we’re trying to achieve in areas like IT and tourism and also to explore cultural links with Enniscorthy,’ said Cllr Doyle. ‘We visited Taoglas this morning and it’s an exciting time for IT in Enniscorthy. We hope to turn the sod on our new technology park in Spring.’
Tourism was another topic which Mr Tu discussed with Wexford officials and Cllr Doyle informed him of the major developments which are planned for Enniscorthy in the near future in the hope that some of Taiwan’s 23.5million population may consider paying a visit to Slaneyside. An invitation was also extended to Mr Tu to visit Enniscorthy for next year’s Rockin’ Food Festival which has become a real highlight of the festival calendar.
On behalf of the local business community, Enniscorthy & District Chamber President Maree Lyng welcomed the ambassador as well as plans to see Wexford and Taiwan align. She said that Mr Tu had been extremely receptive to the idea of bringing Wexford’s message to the people of Taiwan and ‘it behoves us to create something for him to bring back’.
Mr Tu was blown away by the welcome he received in Enniscorthy.
‘I have really enjoyed the warm welcome of the Irish people,’ he said. ‘I talk with many people about business and trade, but I was genuinely touched by the welcome I received. Once I arrived, I found this beautiful castle and it is a really beautiful town.’
‘I am not a salesman for my country,’ he continued. ‘But I wish to be a salesman for Ireland and I will do my best to encourage cultural groups to come to Ireland and here to Enniscorthy and I vow to put more efforts into developing this relationship in the future.’
Mr Tu was then treated to some music from students of Enniscorthy Vocational College and enjoyed mixing with members of the local community, among them Bishop Denis Brennan who recently visited Taiwan to attend the Apostleship of the Sea Conference.