MOTC launches private investment projects

2015/05/28

A raft of public projects spanning transportation, tourism and urban renewal was unveiled May 26 by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

“These 40 projects will provide investment options totaling NT$102.2 billion [US$3.33 billion] for private funds, strengthen local infrastructure and revitalize idle or low-utilization properties,” MOTC Minister Chen Jian-yu said.

“By involving the business sector, they also balance regional development, enhance the quality of Taiwan’s public services and generate additional job opportunities.”

Chen made the remarks at an investment promotion event in Taipei City attended by 250-plus officials and representatives from the local and foreign banking, construction, engineering consultancy, insurance, logistics and transportation sectors.

Among the projects, the 6.01-hectare urban renewal of Taiwan Railways Administration’s Kaohsiung Station tops the list at NT$19.8 billion. Set for implementation by the TRA in collaboration with the local government, the undertaking will develop the area into a major transit hub for the southern port city.

A development package involving 111 hectares of land adjacent to the ports of Hualien, Kaohsiung, Suao, Taipei and Taichung came second at NT$8.4 billion. It is followed by another development plan close to Zuoying Station of Taiwan High Speed Rail at NT$1.9 billion.

The MOTC said the annual investment promotion conference is part of ongoing government efforts to spur private participation in Taiwan’s infrastructure projects.

Since its launch in 2013, the initiative has provided 94 business opportunities valued at NT$220 billion, Chen said. “We will continue introducing new projects and removing all obstacles impeding local and foreign investors from taking part in Taiwan’s development.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=230832&ctNode=413)