While inspecting port facilities and free trade port preparations in Kaohsiung today, Premier Sean Chen said the free trade port zone boasts a bright future as the model will allow diversified business development by aligning Taiwan's innovation capabilities with its strong information and communications technology industries.
Premier Chen emphasized that the government has paid close attention to the Port of Kaohsiung and is investing significant resources in its construction and development. He pointed out that the industries in the free trade zone—from import-add value-export and international logistics to those in yet-to-be-developed services such as re-export and transshipment of vanned and devanned containers—can help pump up the port's as well as the country's economy. The premier expects the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), established this March when the port authorities were reorganized, to offer excellent, diverse and flexible services and work with businesses to build Kaohsiung up as a hub for container transport and logistics.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), all major Port of Kaohsiung construction projects—an international cruise center, the first and second stage of an intercontinental terminal, pier renovation, elevated outbound roads, the Qianzhen Logistics Park and the Southern Star land development—are underway. The MOTC plans to spend NT$42 billion (US$1.43 billion) from this year to 2016 to complete the port projects, which it anticipates will transform the port, increase job opportunities and spur national economic development.
Executive Yuan officials said that following Premier Chen's announcement of the Economic Power-Up Plan, relevant agencies have presented action plans to meet the targets of its five major policy initiatives. The MOTC's plan for promoting the diverse development of free trade ports is part of the "develop new export markets" initiative.
Those who accompanied the premier on the inspection included Minister without Portfolio Yang Chiu-hsing, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Steven S.K. Chen, Minister of Transportation and Communications Mao Chi-kuo, legislators Huang Chao-shun and Lin Kuo-cheng and TIPC chairman Hsiao Ding-hsun and president Lee Tai-hsin.