Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) briefing on the results of the Hakka 369 Project promoting the local culture and economy of Hakka villages. The government places great importance on Hakka cultural development and the passing of this heritage, the premier said. This project utilizes the experience gained from Taiwan Romantic Route 3—a previous project aimed at boosting Hakka industries and tourism along Provincial Highway 3—and applies it to the revitalization of Hakka villages located in the Liudui (or "six settlements") region of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, as well as along Provincial Highway 9 in Hualien and Taitung. These efforts continue to boost Hakka cultural industries, develop spheres of culture that preserve local life, and spur the economic development of village communities.
Taiwan is a society composed of many different ethnic groups forming a rich and diverse cultural landscape, Premier Su said, and Hakka culture is one important component. Over the past five years, the government invested over NT$4 billion (US$138.8 million) in the Taiwan Romantic Route 3 project (2016-2021) to stimulate a renaissance in Hakka art and culture, revitalize businesses, and develop the humanistic culture, environment and industries of local Hakka communities. The fruits of this initiative were televised through a collaboration with National Geographic and broadcast to 37 countries.
The NT$2.5 billion (US$86.7 million) Hakka 369 Project (2021-2025) currently underway will apply the experiences gained from the Taiwan Romantic Route 3 project to the Liudui and Provincial Highway 9 projects, all of which are designed to boost businesses specializing in Hakka culture, develop spheres of culture with local characteristics, and spur economic development in Hakka communities.
Premier Su directed the HAC to continue its work of rejuvenating Hakka community environments, promoting Hakka-themed tourism and revitalizing the Hakka language. Additionally, since Taiwan is preparing to host the first-ever World Hakka Exposition next year—a high-standard event modeled after the World's Fair—the premier also instructed the HAC to work closely with local governments on the relevant preparations, including venue construction, exhibition and performance planning, and complementary traffic measures. The premier hopes this grand cultural event will make Taiwan the new world capital of Hakka culture.