In partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia based in London and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), Asia Matters held a Strategic Business Round Table on Indonesia Ireland Business Partnership Potential.

Background

Indonesia, the economic giant of ASEAN with annual GDP growth of 5 %+ and a population of 260 million, is a key strategic partner for Europe. The country’s emphasis on industrialisation and infrastructure development is laying the foundations for continued economic growth.

The Irish embassy in Jakarta opened in 2014 with significant opportunity now to grow bilateral trade in agri, animation, financial services, higher education, energy, maritime & tech.

Asia Matters held an exclusive Private Briefing for members with Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive IDA Ireland. The briefing brought together 50+ business and government leaders to discuss IDA Irelands strategic engagement with Asia and the key drivers for future growth in Asian FDI. Inaddition to Martin Shanahan’s key address an interactive Q&A heardcomment from leaders from some of Asia’s largest investors in Irelandincluding Bank of China, Toyota Financial Services, WuXi and Tata.

In partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Institute of Technology, KPMG, Teagasc and the Chinese Ireland Journal, Asia Matters held the 5th Asia Matters Business Summit in Cork 23 & 24 May 2019 to celebrate 40 years of China Ireland diplomatic relations and focus on the key drivers for future growth. Day 2, kindly hosted by Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture & Food Development Authority, focused on Food Research & Innovation and developing Strategic Business Partnership with China.

The Food & Agri-Business Summit featured a key note speech from Michael Creed TD, Irish Minster for Agriculture, Food & The Marine followed by two panels of expert speakers who shared their knowledge with over 150 participants from Ireland and China including high level government and business delegations from Beijing, Shanghai and Wuxi.

In partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Institute of Technology, KPMG and the Chinese Ireland Journal, Asia Matters held the 5thAsia Matters Business Summit in Cork 23 & 24 May 2019 to celebrate 40 years of China Ireland diplomatic relations. The Summit featured 4 events across 2 days with keynote speeches from 3 government ministers including Simon Coveney TD, the Deputy Irish Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade.

A Celebratory banquet to commemorate this special bilateral year was held at Cobh Heritage Centre and featured keynote speeches from David Stanton TD, Irish Minister of State for Justice and Mr Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The banquet was also attended by China’s new Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr. He Xiangdong, Therese Healy, Consul General of Ireland in Shanghaiand delegations from Beijing, Shanghai and Wuxi.

In partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Institute of Technology, KPMG and the Chinese Ireland Journal, Asia Matters held the 5th Asia Matters Business Summit in Cork 23 & 24 May 2019 to celebrate 40 years of China Ireland diplomatic relations and focus on the key drivers for future growth. Day 1, kindly hosted by Cork Institute of Technology, had a focus on Tech, Talent & Innovation.

The Technology & Innovation Summit featured keynote speeches and two panels of expert speakers who shared their knowledge with over 150 participants from Ireland and China including high level government and business delegations from Beijing, Shanghai and Wuxi.

Explaining that China has been prioritised by the Irish Government for a strengthening strategic relationship between the two countries, the Deputy Prime Minister stated:

“ I am therefore pleased to witness the signing of this MOU here today between two important organisations, Asia Matters and the CPAFFC, who are working hard to build links between Ireland and China at the regional level”

Asia Matters held a key Japan briefing for members in partnership with Toyota Ireland. The briefing brought together 50+ business and government leaders to discuss the Japan Ireland strategic business partnership and the key drivers for future growth through the EU Japan EPA. In addition to Ambassador Kavanagh’s key address, Ambassador Miyoshi spoke of the strength of bilateral relations and Steve Tormey, CEO Toyota Ireland stated that a direct flight between Tokyo and Dublin would be a milestone achievement and significantly drive corporate investment and tourism.

“2019 marks the beginning of an exciting time – a period of ambition and expansion in Ireland’s relationship with Japan” Ambassador Kavanagh

Martin Murray, CEO Asia Matters discusses the business side of 40 years of China Ireland diplomatic relations and where future opportunities lie for Ireland. This article was published in the Sunday Times 14 April 2019.

Asia Matters held a member briefing with Michael D’Arcy TD, Irish Minister for International Financial Services & Insurance kindly hosted by our member, PwC Ireland. The Minister addressed over 40 business leaders and key stakeholders in Asia Ireland relations on the strategic importance of Asia in the future development of Ireland’s financial services sector – highlighting his vision of delivering a sustainable:

“Digital Ireland for Digital Finance” in his soon to be released new IFS strategy 2025

This special report Ireland as an EU Financial Services Market Location outlines the major drivers of the global expansion of Asian financial services and the value proposition of Ireland as an EU/global hub for Asian financial institutions.

In accordance with its commitments given under the IFS2020 action plans Asia Matters carried out qualitative research with a key range of stakeholders

Executive Summary and key findings of the Global Asia Matters Business Summit 19 November

Strategy 2030

Adapting to a changing Asia and the Pacific

Mr Tomoyuki Kimura, Director General of Strategy, Asia Development Bank, presented at an Asia Matters Private Briefing detailing Asia’s overall national infrastructure needs - estimated to be around $26 trillion over 2016-2030 or $1.7 trillion per year. He outlined the clear opportunities for Irish manufacturers and contractors to get involved in building and supplying transport and other infrastructure or clean energy projects in Asia.

The DG gave a presentation which was followed by an in-depth Q&A for Asia Matters Members and Invited guests kindly hosted by our member PwC.

‘Opportunities for Partnership with Asia’

The Summit was held in partnership with Meath County Council

Succeeding in driving trade requires a focused effort in niche adressable markets where Ireland has unique capability: the Asia Matters Summit Meath identified market drivers to trade in the region and critcal success factors for Irish Agri-food & tourism businesses.

Asia Matters CEO & Senior Executive Roundtable held in PwC 13 March 2018

On 9 May 2018 The Secretary General briefed Asia Matters members and invited guests on The Strategic Importance of Asia for Ireland's Food and Dairy Sector – Opportunities Post Brexit

Smart Economies Connecting, The Hong Kong Ireland Partnership 

in association with the Consulate General of Ireland and KPMG 

Launched at The European Financial Forum by Michael D'Arcy TD, Minister of State for Financial Services,  this new Asia Matters report in association with PwC outlines the major drivers of the global expansion of Asian financial services and the value proposition of Ireland as an EU/global hub for Asian financial institutions.

In a post Brexit world where Asian financial institutions are concerned about risk and uncertainty, Ireland provides a safe harbour location.

Asia Matters Briefing to The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade 14 December 2017.

2017 was a pivotal year in the work of Asia Matters in which Membership doubled. Members and senior stakeholders actively participated in our monthly CEO briefings on The Asia Brexit Opportunity for Ireland. Asia Matters launched a specific yearbook for the European Financial Forum in Dublin Castle along with our flagship yearbook focused on key Asian Markets.

The Inaugural Global Asia Matters Business Summit, in partnership with The Department of Business Enterprise & Innovation, took place in Dublin on 8 November 2017 following seven Asia Matters EU Asia Economic & Financial Forums held in Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore and Ireland. The Summit was kindly sponsored by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, A&L Goodbody and PwC. Thanks also to our media partners Nikkei, Independent News and Media and The Chinese Weekly.

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation gave a key address at the Global Asia Matters Business Summit 8 November 2017.

Minister Of State Michael D’Arcy opening speech at the Global Asia Matters Business Summit 8 November 2017.

Key Findings include:

The real growth in FDI from Asia is in the knowledge based industries - up 67% over the past 5 years - an area where Ireland can compete strongly.

Outward investment from Asia: Unique Insight from our panelists into the Critical Success Factors for decision making.

Key Findings include:

The partnership opportunity with China and Ireland: Over the course of the current five year plan to 2020 there is a target of $750 billion of Chinese outbound FDI.

By 2020 the Chinese outbound tourist market will stand at 200 million - ease of access through a direct flight and an easing of visa regulations are necessary steps to drive growth.

Chief EU FTA negotiator and BlackRock Global Head of Infrastructure confirmed to speak at the Global Asia Matters Summit 8 November at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

The Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Ying Yong recently visited Cork City Hall where he signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) deepening already close ties in the fields of local government, education, business, innovation, health, culture and tourism between Cork and its twin city, Shanghai. 

Insights from the recent Asia Matters visit to Brussels where Executive Director, Martin Murray met with senior EU officials.

As Asian agribusinesses harness information technology and innovation this article looks into the fields and some cutting edge facilities and gives a glimpse the future of Asian farming.

The Exporting special report published within the Asia Ireland Business Yearbook includes an interview with Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland on EI's Asia strategy - accelerating global export growth and exclusive content on key sectors of opportunity for Irish exports, Financial Services, Food & Agritech, Education and Tourism.

Jianglai Weng from Beingmate (Ireland) provides insight into  Chinese consumer habits and an in-depth article from Nikkei on the future of Asian farming provide unique insight into global best practice.

This Foreign Direct Investment special report was first published in the Asia Ireland Business Yearbook. It includes an interview with Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland on why Asian firms looking to invest in Europe should look to Ireland and in-depth features on Cork and Dublin as FDI hubs. 

John Conlon gives insight from Asia into key priority markets for attracting investment from Asia: ASEAN, China, India and Japan.

This updated edition of The Asia Ireland Business Yearbook includes high value insight from corporate leaders and policy makers and is recognised as the book of reference for Irish businesses looking to trade successfully with Asia and demonstrates Ireland's benefits as a strategic base for Asian Corporates seeking to invest in Europe.

Key content is contributed by leading business, political and academic figures on two continents.

For more information please contact: samantha.hobbs@asiamatters.biz

Niall Dowling, Strategic Director Atomic and Asia Matters Advisory Board on global best practice in nation branding.

Presentation by H.E. Paul Kavanagh, Ambassador of Ireland to China 25 January 2017

Business growth is all about intelligence and the right network of contacts. As the Asia knowledge and connectivity hub for Irish business, Asia Matters hosts market critical events for members and invited guests

Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland addressed Asia Matters Members and invited guests at an Asia Matters Brexit Briefing held 22/11/2016 at PwC on the Importance of Asia to Irish Exports.

Asia Matters Brexit Briefing for Asia Matters Members and invited guests with Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive Bord Bia 20/10/16 at KPMG.

Matthew Blume, Director Client Technology, ASEAN at the Asia Matters FinTech Forum, Singapore 26 April 2016

Chris Alderson, Vice President, Financial Services APAC, IDA Ireland at the Asia Matters FinTech Forum Singapore, 26 April 2016

Simon Goo, Executive Director and Head, Group Risk Analytics United Overseas Bank at the Asia Matters FinTech Forum, Singapore 26 April 2016

John Murphy, PwC Ireland FinTech Leader at the Asia Matters Fintech Forum, Singapore, 26 April 2016.

Recent developments in dairy and beef further highlight the massive potential that exists for Irish food and drink exports in Asia.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe outlines the Irish Government’s strategy to tourism generally and how this impacts on Asian markets

In 2013 Japan and Ireland issued a joint declaration entitled a 'Partnership for Innovation and Growth'. With the EU Japan Economic Partnership Agreement due to be concluded there is greater opportunity for both Japanese and EU companies to access global trade networks through greater business partnership.

In partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork Institute of Technology the Cork China Business Summit took place during Asia Business Week 2015.

Manila-based Asian Development Bank has released a report that bodes well for developing Asia from an economic perspective.

Ireland has been successful in attracting information and communication technology (ICT) companies from Asia, particularly given the distances in terms of both geography and culture.

Established in 1987 in Dublin, the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) set out to create employment and offer financial services firms the advantage of Ireland's growing technology infrastructure. Today, the IFSC is home to over 500 firms contributing €2.1bn to the exchequer and accounting for 7.4% of the Irish GDP.

Facilitating the flow of people and ideas - Cork has been involved with Co-operation projects with China since 2003.  Shanghai has been a sister city to Cork since 2005 and County Cork has strong links with Jiangsu Province in China, with an initiative formalised recently with the aim to benefit both regions.

A Global Leader in in Education - initiatives are underway to raise further awareness of Ireland as a student destination. High quality education, strong industry links and the experience of studying in Ireland are all factors in increasing the numbers of international students from Asia coming to Ireland.

Sponsored by KPMG, The Asia Matters Food & Agritech Forum took place in Cork on 14 July 2015

The Forum took place in Dublin on 9 July 2015 and explored how Asia and Ireland can partner in education to create Global Talent Clusters and Drive FDI.

The 6th Asia Matters Top Economist Round Table was held in Beijing 17 November 2014.

The forum took place 9 July 2015 during Asia Business Week in Dublin.

Asia Matters hosted the 5th EU Asia Top Economist Round Table 14 November 2014 in Tokyo.

The 7th EU Asia Top Economist Roundtable took place in Dublin 10 July 2015 as part of The Asia Business Week.

This Summit, held in partnership with Dublin City Council, Dublin Institute of Technology, IBEC and Dublin Chamber of Commerce took place 8 July 2015 during Asia Business Week.

September 2017