NDC rolls out Pingtung County development plan

2015/09/24

A large-scale development plan aimed at boosting the economy of southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County was introduced Sept. 22 by the National Development Council.

Under the three-year initiative set for implementation later this year, the public and private sectors will invest NT$1.73 billion (US$52.4 million) in transforming Dapeng Bay, as well as Donggang Township and Xiaoliuqiu, into a fishery, recreational and tourism hub.

NDC Deputy Minister Hwang Wan-hsiang said by leveraging Pingtung’s abundant marine resources, the project can spur the local economy while achieving balanced regional development.

“The government is fostering an environment conducive to private investment in the undertaking,” Hwang said. “This commitment includes such key areas as infrastructure, regulatory reform and talent cultivation.”

According to the NDC, the initiative comprises six development strategies and 33 action plans. It takes into account the region’s natural environment, tourism assets and industrial and transportation needs.

“We envisage Dapeng as a world-class center for recreational activities such as car racing, yachting and other water sports,” Hwang said, adding that efforts will be made to enhance the overall living environment of Donggang and improve its tourism facilities.

As for the island of Xiaoliuqiu, the plan focuses on ecological preservation programs, shuttle bus services and tourist control measures to promote local marine ecotourism.

Equally important are measures aimed to bolster regional smart tourism through coordinated public-private partnerships, including e-ticketing services and building wireless networks on Xiaoliuqiu.

Hwang said he expects the project to double annual tourist numbers to 2.5 million by 2017, create 720 jobs for locals and generate economic benefits topping NT$2.47 billion.

“We also forecast fisheries output increasing by NT$200 million over the same period, helping the region to attain long-term prosperity.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=236995&ctNode=2194&mp=9)