Editor’s Note: Shenzhen Daily has interviewed a number of senior executives of local foreign-invested companies, who walk us through their firms’ footprints in 2023 while exuding unwavering confidence in their future development. This is the sixth of our series of reports. Chen Siqi vankochensq@163.com SHENZHEN, with its strong presence in the high-tech industry, has forged significant connections with Ireland, often hailed as the Silicon Valley of Europe, according to Wang Lei, chief representative of IDA Ireland, Ireland’s foreign direct investment agency. “Shenzhen has strong powers to lure foreign investments due to its exceptional business environment, efficient government services, sound infrastructure, strong intellectual property management, and effective resource allocation,” Wang told Shenzhen Daily during a recent interview at his office in Futian District. Operating three offices in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, IDA Ireland chose Shenzhen as its South China base due to its strength in high-tech, internet information, biomedicine, and high-end manufacturing sectors, which align with Ireland’s development strategies. Over 20 leading Irish companies, particularly high-tech firms, have established operations, centers, or research facilities in Shenzhen. According to Wang, five firms experienced remarkable growth in the city in 2023. Among them are Mergon, one of Tesla’s key suppliers; Combilift, a global leader in multidirectional forklift manufacturing; EPS Global, a leading distributor of specialized IT components used in data networking and a well-known data solutions provider for clients like Tencent and Alibaba; and Exertis, one of Europe’s largest and fastest-growing tech distribution and specialist service providers. The success of PCH International, a global supply chain solutions provider, stands as a prime example of Irish achievement in Shenzhen, Wang said. Founded by Irish entrepreneur Liam Casey in Dublin, the company established its headquarters in Shenzhen focusing on electronic components trade. The company currently boasts more than 4,000 employees worldwide, with its business spanning various industries including consumer electronics, personal computers, medical devices, and telecommunications. Collaborating with Enterprise Ireland and the local government in Shenzhen, IDA Ireland provides crucial support for Irish enterprises, including assistance in tax, talent, land, and technology. “The Shenzhen government is dedicated to providing substantial assistance to foreign-invested enterprises in land allocation, talent acquisition, and project-related necessities,” Wang said. This collaboration has significantly enhanced trade and economic ties, evidenced by initiatives such as signing MoUs with Qianhai authority and high-level leadership visits, laying the groundwork for enterprise cooperation and project development. One particular noteworthy event is IDA Ireland’s facilitation meeting between Eamon Ryan, Irish minister for energy, and BYD leaders in Beijing last March. The meeting focused on new energy development and the transition to sustainable energy sources, especially in the hydrogen power and electric charging sectors. IDA Ireland has also arranged a significant meeting between Ann Derwin, Irish ambassador to China, and BYD senior representatives in May last year at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, further bolstering collaborative efforts between China and Ireland. Looking to the future, Wang emphasized Ireland’s intention to expand collaboration with China, particularly in high-tech, biomedicine, new energy, new materials, and information technologies, in addition to the gaming sector. As the year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Ireland, expectations are high for further growth in bilateral investment and trade activities, underlining the continued progress of this productive partnership. | 