Ireland China Association hails "potential" of project

If the Chinese buy into the €175 million plans for an international trade hub on the outskirts of Athlone there is no reason why the project won't work. That's the view of Frank Deasy from the Ireland China Association, who was reacting to the news of planning approval for the massive project on a 137 hectare site at Creggan, Athlone, one of the biggest single developments ever planned for Ireland. The first phase is estimated to create over 1,500 new jobs as part of the project, with another 1,200 expected during the construction phase. Mr Deasy, who is Vice Chair of the council of the Ireland China Association, set up in 2000 to increase trade between both countries said the decision is a strong reinforcement of the relationship between the two countries since the visit of the Chinese premier and the subsequent visit by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to China. "The potential of this development is great if the logistics and support structures are in place," Mr Deasy explained, adding that in general terms the developers are in a great position to sell Ireland as a trade hub and accesspoint to Europe for Chinese businesses. "They (China) can see us as real partners. Our membership in the last month has increased dramatically by over 20%. We now represent 200 companies and there is significant interest in China." There is a lot going in Ireland's favour in terms of attracting business, Mr Deasy said, pointing out that China don't perceive Ireland as any kind of threat, culturally they can link in strongly with Ireland, and they relate to the way Irish build relationships. He said the trade hub development is a "nice concept" predicting huge "spin-offs" for Ireland if it gets up and running, saying it's good that the country is thinking big in terms of future plans. "If Chinese companies are displaying goods here, then why would they not look here for European stores and logistics as US companies have. Anything the Government can do to support it should be done," he stated. Speaking in relation to some scepticism from some quarters whether the project will ever happen, Mr Deasy said it's a big opportunity for Athlone and the country as a whole: "In Ireland we look at everything in relation our own size. Their scale of their cities is a lot different and much larger.... The bottom line is whether the Chinese buy into it. That's the crux. They need the big players in China to support it. If the Chinese buy into it there is no reason why it won't work. It doesn't matter how many sceptics there are in Ireland," The Ireland China Association was established in November 2000 by a number of individuals and companies with the support of the then Chinese Ambassador to IrelandMadame Zhang Xiaokang. With little or no trade between the two countries at that stage, they group looked to explore the opportunities and start making contacts in Asia. The primary aims of the group is to promote greater economic ties and trade between Ireland and China, increase cultural and educational links between the two countries.