Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D visits Seoul from 18 – 21 March
St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Minister Howlin’s visit will provide the Irish Government with an opportunity to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism, education services and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. The Minister has a varied and diverse programme in Seoul which will be focused on trade and business promotion his visit will also include a number of public events:
Wreath laying at the Memorial to those of Irish Birth and Heritage who died in the Korean war
On the morning of Thursday 19 March Minister Howlin will lay a wreath to those of Irish birth and heritage who died in the Korean War at the monument to the Irish dead at the Korean War Memorial.
This ceremony is designed to be as inclusive as possible and we would welcome any of you who can attend to come to the memorial at 10.15am on Thursday 19 March. The ceremony will start at 10.30am and last 15-20 minutes. It will be standing only. The memorial is located in the sunken dell on the right as you enter the museum grounds from the main road, below the obelisk monument which marks the anniversary of 50 years since the war.
Lecture on Korea University EU Centre
Minister Howlin will speak at the Korea University EU centre as part of the KU-KIEP-SBS EU Centre Distinguished Lecture series on Thursday 19 March from 15:00 - 16:00 in Room #214, International Studies Hall.
The Minister will speak on the topic of ‘Ireland, the EU and the global financial crisis’ in which he will address Ireland’s economic recovery, ongoing difficulties in the eurozone and the broader economic environment before an audience of students and faculty at Korea University. This lecture is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
Opening of the ‘Irish Gourmet Week’ at Hyundai Department store
The Minister will open the ‘Irish Gourmet Week’ on at 1pm on Friday 20 March at Hyundai Department Store in Apujeong a southern district of Seoul. This is the first ‘Irish Gourmet week’ to take place in Seoul and it will be an opportunity to showcase Irish consumer food products to Hyundai customers.
The Minister will meet with the senior management team of Hyundai Department Store will be shown a section of the grocery floor where Irish Seafood and grocery products will be on display. The food festival will consist of tasting booths for individual Irish products and an area of tanks for fresh seafood produce. This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.