On May 28th, Zhao Haiying, Director of the Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new office of the Government of Northern Ireland in China. 

 

Representatives from over 50 organizations including the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, China Medical University, the British Embassy Beijing, the Tourism Ireland, and various provincial and municipal foreign affairs offices were present at the ceremony. 

 

Ms. Kerry Corrigan, the Chief Representative and Minister-Counselor of the Northern Ireland Office in China, delivered a speech at the event, highlighting Northern Ireland's distinct advantages in areas such as business, tourism, culture, and education. She emphasized the region's strengths in business innovation, top-tier education, tourism, green industries, life sciences, new energy, arts, culture, sports, and technology, with abundant resources and rapid development.

During the event, Director Zhao Haiying engaged in in-depth discussions with Chief Representative Kerry, congratulating the Northern Ireland office on its relocation and introducing the development advantages and industrial structure of Changchun in the fields of science, education, culture, automotive, and creative innovation. Director Zhao expressed a desire to strengthen exchanges with the Northern Ireland office in China and invited the Chief Representative to lead a delegation of Northern Ireland business representatives to visit Changchun. The aim was to explore cooperation opportunities and seek shared development goals. Chief Representative Kerry expressed her gratitude for Director Zhao's invitation and recognized Changchun as a significant city in the northeastern region of China with vast opportunities. She pledged to actively facilitate exchanges and cooperation, organize visits for Northern Ireland and Newry city enterprises to explore opportunities in Changchun, and enhance cooperation with Changchun in vocational education and creative industries.

 

Furthermore, Director Zhao Haiying engaged in friendly exchanges with the Vice Chairman of the National People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, directors of foreign affairs offices from various provinces and cities, embassy representatives, and school delegates. They deepened their understanding of each other's situations, with Director Zhao presenting an overview of Changchun's basic information and business environment. He indicated that the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office would proactively connect resources, provide services, and welcome representatives seeking cooperation in Changchun.

During the event, a representative from the Tourism Ireland Office provided an introduction to the tourism industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland through a video presentation.