Yahoo! China picks Cork as a top 10 city to visit

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in China News, Visiting China

The Irish Examiner recently reported that Cork, twinned with Shanghai, has been picked by the Yahoo! China website as one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit.

The full article, Chinese website lists Cork in top 10 cities to visit, is available here. Cork is included in a listing with Istanbul, Kyoto, Vancouver and Singapore among others.

Given its twinning with Shanghai, host to the 2010 World Expo, this is seen as giving a great boost to both Cork, and Ireland, in the run up to the May event and it is hoped to boost visitors even further to the Ireland Pavilion at Expo.

According to the article:

“This positioning of Cork in the Chinese market is very significant and particularly useful in light of the work undertaken to secure a Cork programme of activities in the Irish Pavilion at World EXPO 2010 in Shanghai,” he said.

The EXPO, which will open on May 1 and run for six months, will feature pavilions from about 200 countries. It expects to attract some 100 million visitors.

A Cork Shanghai project group has been working for some months on a programme that will present the business, local government, education, tourism and cultural offer in Cork, in the Irish Pavilion.

Cork’s participation in Expo 2010 is being co-ordinated by the Cork Marketing Partnership, with partners Cork Chamber, Cork City Council, University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology and Fáilte Ireland South West.

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Check out this video for the British Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Visiting China

Here at ChinaGreen, we’re currently putting together our Top 10 attractions for the Shanghai World Expo coming up in May – that’ll be available here in the coming days.

In the meantime however, here’s a sneak preview of what’s at number 9 in our list – the British Pavilion. The concept is amazing and we’re really looking forward to checking it out when the time comes.

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Irish now to be taught in a Beijing University

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Life In China, Training

This story was in the Irish Independent recently:

A Chinese university is to receive almost 22,000 euro in Government funding to teach students Irish.

Beijing’s Foreign Studies University is the first third-level college in the country to request funding for the language, as its policy is to teach all tongues of the EU.

The money is to be spread over three years and college chiefs will hold talks with NUI Maynooth over the curriculum and course content.

Eamon O’Cuiv, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister, said the language course showed the opportunities for Irish speakers across the globe.

“Ireland and China already have extensive links, and it is my hope that our new relationship with Beijing Foreign Studies University will further cement the ties between the two countries,” Mr O’Cuiv said.

“The demand for funding from this scheme from universities worldwide, and now as far away as China, is a clear indicator not only of the interest within the academic community in Irish as one of the world’s oldest vernacular languages, but also as proof of the opportunities for Irish speakers globally.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-28

Posted by ChinaGreen in Musings

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Images of the Ireland Pavilion at World Expo

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Visiting China

In case you haven’t seen them already, here are a few artistic representations of what the Ireland Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo will look like.

These pictures are from late 2008.

This image below gives a bit of an idea of where the Ireland Pavilion is situated in relation to other pavilions at the World Expo. At the top centre is the Netherlands Pavilion, while middle right is the Poland Pavilion. The top left “apple” is Romania, top right is France and Germany just to the left of France.

This is a more up to date image from November 2009.

I’m eagerly looking forward to see some more up to date images and to finally get to visit the Ireland Pavilion itself in May.

I was on the World Expo site myself in early January and the whole place is really taking shape. Some of the Pavillions I was able to make out in construction look absolutely amazing – particularly Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the Chinese Pavilion which is really beautiful.

Having also been in Shanghai last November, it’s truly remarkable the progress in construction on the site in such a short period of time.

Click here to read more of my World Expo coverage. I’ll be covering this more in the coming weeks so sign up for regular updates direct to your e-mail or your RSS feed reader.

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Visiting Shanghai? You must do brunch at M on the Bund

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Uncategorized

I wrote recently about my recent visit to Shanghai. One of the images in this post was taken from the balcony of the fantastic M on the Bund.

This is the view from the balcony across to the Pudong side – the quintessential Shanghai panorama.

If you do happen to be in Shanghai, I can highly recommend visiting M on the Bund for their Weekend Brunch on a Saturday or Sunday.

The food is absolutely amazing, the service is fantastic and when combined with the views, it’s just a brilliant experience. And seriously good value for money.

Oh, and make sure you leave space for desert.

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Watch the Official Preview of Shanghai World Expo 2010

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Visiting China

This is the official preview video for the World Expo starting in Shanghai this coming May.

If you’re thinking about visiting Shanghai for the Expo anytime between May and October, or if you’d like any more information, you should contact us here at ChinaGreen.

ChinaGreen is Ireland best placed organisation when it comes to Expo. We are unrivalled in our knowledge of the World Expo through our vast experience of dealing directly with Expo organisers.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-21

Posted by ChinaGreen in Musings

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Shanghai 2010 – sprucing itself up for World Expo

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Life In China

I mentioned recently that I was in Shanghai last November and in early January this year. Apart from the large amount of construction that’s going on on the World Expo site itself, it’s really amazing to see how much effort the rest of the city of Shanghai is putting in to have itself ready for May.

The photo on the right shows the major regeneration work that’s being undertaken on the famous Bund (and more on where this picture was taken from in a future post).

This photo on the left was taken from the top of the Pearl TV Tower showing some of the major works being undertaken on Shanghais Pudong side.

Even underground the work being undertaken is enormous. In preparation for Expo, the Shanghai subway network has been expanded from 200km in length to over nearly 400km.

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ChinaGreen to open “A Tiger Tonic for a Tousled Economy” tomorrow morning

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Events, Training

Feb
18
8:30 am

Tomorrow morning, Thursday February 18th at 8.30am, I will be opening “A Tiger Tonic for a Tousled Economy”, a business seminar highlighting that China can offer many business opportunities for Ireland’s economy.

This event, part of Dublin’s Chinese New Year of the Tiger celebrations, is being held in the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2.

The seminar is presented by Dublin City Council in partnership with the Smurfit Business School UCD and the Ireland China Association.
As well as ChinaGreen, other key speakers will include representatives from Smurfit Business School, Ireland China Association, Silver Hill Foods, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Exporters Organisation among others.

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Harnessing the Potential of China – Enterprise and Innovation Week @ IT Sligo

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Events, Training

Feb
23
2:00 pm

On Tuesday 23rd at 2pm, I will be presenting a session on ”Harnessing the Potential of China” on day 2 of the Enterprise and Innovation Week being held at the IT Sligo. (Note, this time and date has changed from the original post).

Enterprise & Innovation Week will be a week-long series workshops, seminars and events to promote innovation entrepreneurs and creativity.

The Enterprise & Innovation Week will run from the 22nd to the 25th of February, and will feature over 20 events, including a number of international high-profile presenters.

I’m thrilled to be involved and to be sharing the stage with some of these high-profile presenters. If you want to make a day of it, the afternoon session on Wednesday is called “Nurturing Entrepreneurs”, presented by Sean Gallagher of Smarthomes and The Dragons Den. Link to his website?

You can find out more about this programme from the IT Sligo website, or have a read of this article from Sligo Today.

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Chinese New Year – Are you a Tiger?

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in China News

Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese New Year of the Tiger. If you were born in 1938,1950,1962,1974, or 1986, that means that 2010 could be a significant year for you.

Generally, people born in the Year of the Tiger are straightforward, uninhibited in nature, flexible and recover quickly from injury but can also be gentle and full of sympathy.

Most are fast learners who thrive on challenge, getting bored easily. They are energetic and talkative and have egos that need regular stroking! Tigers like to spend money, and also to share it – they know they can always make more money!

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-14

Posted by ChinaGreen in Musings

  • China's BYD is the world's leading electric car http://short.ie/vrbdbs 160,000 employees #
  • 85 days to go to Shanghai World Expo – http://short.ie/tnbd93 #
  • Shanghai World Expo – China Pavilion completed today after 2 yrs work – its a great landmark & even better close up. http://short.ie/6zoqhg #
  • Shanghai World Expo – China Pavilion completed today after 2 yrs work – its a great landmark & even better close up. http://short.ie/oankmx #
  • China's dashing new trains – best way to travel in China? http://short.ie/hna54s #
  • Housing prices up 9.5% in China http://short.ie/k077no #
  • Looking forward to the #CNYDublin Festival Gala Banquet this evening in Dublin Zoo. Might get to meet the new tiger cubs later on too. #
  • #CNYDublin All about to kick off here. Official welcomes starting and the lucky people have been chosen to eat with the tigers. Great crowd! #
  • #CNYDublin Starters and soup just finished- beautiful. Roll on the main course! The Porterhouse bottled beers not going down too bad either #
  • http://twitpic.com/12v3sy Emer Costelloe, Lord Mayor and born in the Year if the Tiger.#CNYDublin #
  • http://twitpic.com/12v6my Happy New Year if the Tiger! #
  • http://twitpic.com/12vavx The prize draw coming up soon #
  • #CNYDUBLIN Cool! Just won tickets to Cirque du Soleil, Saltimbanco :-) #
  • #CNYDUBLIN Gala ball at Dublin Zoo turns into a night out in Lillies Bordello. It's a tough life doing business in China :-) #

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Chinese Year of the Tiger – ChinaGreen calendar available for download

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in China News, Trade Shows

A must for doing business in China, please feel free to download our special calendar below which highlights all of the Chinese holidays during 2010.

we will also be keeping the calendar on the right up to date will all of the key dates you should be aware of in China, including holidays and major events, but also with important trade fairs and events.

If you’re interested in any particular trade fair, or if you’re trying to identify one that might be of use to your business, please contact us.

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Chinese New Year of the Tiger – What it means for Irish business?

Posted by doingbusinessinchina in Life In China

Are you a Tiger? – Time to seize the day!

Generally, people born in the Year of the Tiger (1938,1950,1962,1974,1986) are straightforward, uninhibited in nature, flexible and recover quickly from injury but can also be gentle and full of sympathy. Most are fast learners who thrive on challenge, getting bored easily. Tigers like to spend money, and also to share it – they know they can always make more money! In other words just like Queen Elizabeth II, Oscar Wilde, Olwyn Enright, George Lee, Michael Collins and Gabriel Byrne.

The Year of The Tiger

This Chinese New Year 2010 is the year of the Tiger. The Chinese Lunar Year Festival would start from 14th of February. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010, Valentine’s Day.

What does this Year of the Tiger mean for Irish Business?

The roar of a new Tiger is ringing out; it can be heard along the length and breadth of the country. The old Celtic or some might say “Septic” Tiger has crept away with its tail between its legs but its now time for a new leader of the pack. The roar we hear is that of the 2010 “Metal” Tiger and it promises to be an exciting year in business.

2009 was the year of the Ox and as predicted, 2009 was all about relentless and often un-rewarded hard work and seemingly endless toil towards a future harvest. Where the Ox was obedient, diligent and uncomplaining the Tiger won’t be so placid – now is the time to attack!

The sweet perfume of change is in the air and the whiskers of our 2010 Metal Tiger are twitching with the scent. In business, fortune will favour the bold this year. Strong leadership and bold decision making should be encouraged – demanded, even.

Now is the time for inspiring and brave decisions for Irish business. Chinese businesses will also be prepared to spring into action on promising opportunities – this could be a good year to make Chinese alliances but remember to approach with respect- we don’t want to see anyone get mauled!

Great businesses keen to seize opportunities in China should contact ChinaGreen. We help great Irish businesses do great business in China.

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