At a groundbreaking ceremony today for Matsu's new harbor transport center, Premier Sean Chen said transportation, especially marine shipping, will be vital to Matsu's future because of the archipelago's unique and historically strategic location. Residents, past governors and legislators alike have been looking forward to the construction of this center, he added.
Located at Fuao Harbor on Nangan Island, the eco-friendly structure will feature the form of a seabird taking flight, symbolizing the rise of Matsu. Once completed, the transport center will be able to accommodate more than 1,000 passengers. Chen noted the center is an important part of the outlying islands' infrastructure as it will improve communications with Taiwan proper and facilitate cross-strait travel.
The premier said he invited the heads of several ministries along today to offer administration-wide support for Matsu residents and to address their concerns, such as those relating to their unique location.
Lienchiang County Magistrate Yang Sui-sheng also briefed the premier on Matsu's current developments and the problems it faced in transportation, health and sanitation, national land and personnel quota. Afterward, the premier instructed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Department of Health (DOH), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC) to begin working on solutions to these issues.
Speaking of his impressions of the islands, Premier Chen said as a child he often heard broadcasts that Matsu was under heavy artillery fire from Huangqi, a coastal district in mainland China. He also recalled meeting a neighbor from Matsu, and wondering why Matsu had so many government officials because of their habit of incorporating the word "official" in their names. He joked that few follow this custom nowadays because of the difficulties of making a living as an official.
Also attending today's ceremony were Executive Yuan Secretary-General Steven S.K. Chen, Minister without Portfolio and Fujian Province Governor Hsueh Cherng-tay, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Cheng Li-wun, MOTC Minister Mao Chi-kuo, MOF Minister Chang Sheng-ford, DOH Deputy Minister Day Guey-ing, RDEC Minister Sung Yu-hsieh, Lienchiang County Magistrate Yang Sui-sheng and Lienchiang County Council Speaker Chen Kuei-chung.
The premier later boarded a vessel to Beigan Island where he enjoyed sweeping views from Bishan Lookout, the highest point on the island, and toured the old mountainside village of Qinbi.