It’s claimed the inaugural visit of a foreign diplomat will be critical to the future of a Clare village.
The People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Zhao Xiyaun has visited Clarecastle, where he discussed investment opportunities.
The visit marked the Ambassadors first excursion to Clare since taken up the role in 2024.
It included a trip to the Roche Site in Clarecastle, the former Pharmaceuitical Plant closed in 2016, costing 240 local jobs and is currently in the process of being decomissioned and converted to a brownfield site.
Yesterday, Ambassador Zhao met with Senior Management involved in the project.
He says he’s keen to enhance investment opportunities between Clare and China.
China’s Yunan Province has been twinned with Clare since 2015, with the country also investing over €9bn in Ireland directly each year.
Mayor of Clare Paul Murphy, who invited Ambassador Zhao, believes his visit is critical to Clarecastle’s future.
For Clare’s Chinese community, the visit represented a hugely important step in the countries trade, tourism and cultural relations, with the ambassador also taking in the Cliffs of Moher.
Chinese Association of Ireland member, Sang Man has been living in Shannon for over 30 years and says the bond between the nations is extremely beneficial for both.
Listen to the full interview here
