21专访丨爱尔兰投资发展局中国区总监张哲伟：爱尔兰可扮演中企走出去的“安全港”

Core Insights - Ireland supports free trade and multilateralism, serving as a model for EU-China cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and education [1][3] - The bilateral trade volume between China and Ireland is projected to reach $23.42 billion in 2024, with a significant increase since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2012 [1][5] - China is Ireland's fourth-largest trading partner, with Ireland maintaining a trade surplus with China for several years [4][5] Trade and Investment - In 2023, China's direct investment in Ireland was $380 million, with a total stock of $2.04 billion by the end of the year, creating approximately 5,000 jobs [2][6] - The trade structure between China and Ireland is highly complementary, with Ireland exporting high-value, knowledge-intensive products to China and importing machinery and textiles [1][5] - Ireland is a stable investment destination for Chinese companies, encouraging them to leverage its EU membership for localizing supply chains and accessing the European market [2][10] Economic Cooperation - The visit of the Irish Prime Minister to China is expected to deepen political, cultural, and economic ties, with discussions on investment and trade opportunities [3][4] - Ireland's favorable business environment, including a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, attracts foreign investment and supports R&D initiatives [7][9] - The country has a strong talent pool and a robust educational system, contributing to its appeal as an investment location [8][9] Future Prospects - The bilateral trade volume between China and the EU is expected to approach $800 billion in 2024, highlighting the vast potential for cooperation in areas like green transition and digital governance [1][3] - Ireland's role as a gateway to the EU market is reinforced by its unique position as the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, making it an attractive base for Chinese enterprises [7][10]