When the Taoyuan Aerotropolis is completed, Taiwan will become a world portal to East Asia, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today while inspecting the project in Taoyuan. The significance of this national flagship program lies not in the amount of money or land invested or even jobs created, but in elevating the island's international standing.
Taiwan, located in the heart of the Western Pacific region, possesses geographical advantages not inferior to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong or Singapore, the premier pointed out. Taiwan also understands the peoples, languages, culture and social customs of mainland China better than anyone. As more countries around the world eye attractive opportunities there, Taiwan makes an ideal springboard with unique access to the burgeoning market.
The Taoyuan Aerotropolis will not only consist of an international airport to which a third terminal and runway are to be added, Jiang continued, it will also include a core district with surrounding infrastructure and networks. A project of this magnitude will require close coordination among many central and local government agencies. The aerotropolis is essential to Taiwan's standing and development. More than just a transit hub for international passengers and cargo, it is expected to boost the economies of Taoyuan and the entire northern Taiwan region.
Today's was the premier's third inspection visit since 2012, when he took lead of the Executive Yuan's aerotropolis promotion task force while serving as vice premier. The government is currently promoting the i-Taiwan 12 infrastructure projects which, like the Ten Major Construction Projects of the 1970s, are intended to push the country ever forward. Constructing the aerotropolis will be a massive and lengthy undertaking that demands perseverance, Jiang said, reminding those present that Taiwan's future cannot wait and neither can its infrastructure. "Even if the project takes a long time, we must press forward to reach the goals."
Central and local officials have been working hard to compress the duration of the project. Regional plans have already been reviewed and environmental impact assessments conducted. Plans for the third terminal are also expected to be completed by year-end to allow the tender process to begin in 2014.
As prolonged construction will adversely affect local residents, Jiang directed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to hasten the tasks that have already been confirmed and to try to complete them ahead of schedule. He prompted the MOEA and the Taoyuan County government not to wait until the industrial zone is physically completed to begin soliciting companies. International and domestic investors should be allowed to sign letters of intent earlier in the process.
After inspecting the aerotropolis project, the premier attended a business convention for Japanese investors organized by Taoyuan County. Representing the ROC government, he welcomed the investors and emphasized the administration's commitment to developing Taiwan's economy and building one of the friendliest investment environments in the world.