ESP Hosts Delegation from China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS)

ESP recently welcomed a senior delegation from the Center for Oceans Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS). NISCSS is one of China’s leading national research institutes, advising government and industry on ocean governance, international cooperation, and regional development strategies.

The purpose of the meeting was to explore practical pathways for deeper Sino–Irish business collaboration, particularly in sectors where Ireland’s strengths align with emerging opportunities in Hainan and the wider South China Sea region.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Strengthening Channels for Two-Way Investment

Both sides exchanged insights on how Irish and Chinese organisations can more effectively identify partners, evaluate opportunities, and manage regulatory requirements when entering each other’s markets.ESP shared case studies illustrating Irish capabilities in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, renewable energy, and digital compliance, while NISCSS highlighted growing demand across these sectors within Hainan’s Free Trade Port.

2. Developing Structured Cooperation Mechanisms

The delegation expressed strong interest in creating long-term engagement platforms between ESP and NISCSS.They extended an invitation for ESP to participate in major international events hosted by NISCSS, including:

• Forum on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance

• South China Sea Sub-Forum at the Boao Forum for Asia

These platforms offer opportunities for Irish companies to showcase expertise, engage with policymakers, and build visibility in strategically important Chinese markets.

Delegation Members

ESP had the pleasure of meeting:

• Mr. Han Jinglei, Vice President, NISCSS

• Dr. Cai Zhenwei, Associate Researcher

• Mrs. Chen Yajie, Economist

• Mrs. Wu Lei, Assistant Research Fellow

Their insights provided valuable context on China’s priorities in regional development, international cooperation, and industry-focused collaboration.

ESP will continue working with NISCSS and its wider network to design practical frameworks that help Irish and Chinese enterprises collaborate more effectively. Opportunities in areas such as market entry strategy, supply-chain setup, R&D cooperation, and cross-border investment will form the basis of ongoing discussions.