Delegation from Märkischer Kreis in Germany visits Waterford to explore new opportunities

A delegation from the Märkischer Kreis district in Germany visited Waterford this week to explore trade opportunities, exchange cultural experiences and discover opportunities for tourism synergies.

The official partnership documents cementing the twinning agreement was signed, in May 2023,  by then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’Leary and Mayor of Märkischer Kreis, Marco Voge

The delegation which travelled to Waterford this week was headed by Mayor Voge who was accompanied by Dr. Ralf Geruschkat, Chief Executive of the South Westphalian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Professor Alexander Prange, President of the South Westphalia University of Applied Science.

The first port of call was Waterford City Hall and the Mayor’s Parlour where the delegates were greeted by the current Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.

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Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Murphy said it's important to reflect on the many benefits that town twinning can bring.

"By forging strong partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can create new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, tourism, and community development. The bond between our two regions is a testament to the power of international friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to us working together in the future with the shared goal of making Waterford and Märkischer Kreis welcoming, innovative and people-focused regions to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Mayor Voge spoke warmly of the bond between the regions stating that there are “many similarities" between the two regions, from the challenges of rural development, to the opportunities that arise in a globalised world.

“We are looking forward to meeting with the companies and the insight they will provide and we hope to establish long-standing connections with these companies.”

Mayor Voge added: “What first came to mind when we were planning this trip was the motto of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, which is Time to Make Friends, and we, today, are truly guests among new friends.”

The visiting delegation also met with Michael Quinn of Waterford City and County Council, Niall Harrington of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Kathryn Kiely of SETU, Ciaran Cullen of Enterprise Ireland, Emily Grace of IDA Ireland, David Sinnott of the Port of Waterford and Gareth Evans of Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

Following the reception members of the delegation met with representatives of Local Enterprise Office, IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients throughout the city and county.

Over the two-day visit members of the South Westphalia University of Applied Science visited SETU to meet with SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell and a number of executive team and faculty members in engineering, business, science and humanities.

The group also visited SETU’s research centres the Walton Institute, SEAM and PMBRC.