Taipei Songshan Airport is set to become a key Asia-Pacific business travel hub under a 20-year development project approved Nov. 1 by the ROC Cabinet.
The two-stage plan, overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, involves relocating Civil Aviation Administration offices and China Airlines Co. Ltd. training facilities on the east side of the airport.
After demolition and survey work has been completed, the five hectares of freed-up land will be redeveloped for a convention center, hotels, office buildings and shopping malls.
“We estimate this core development program will spur private investment by between NT$20 billion (US$682.6 million) and NT$40 billion from 2013 to 2016,” Deputy MOTC Minister Yeh Kuang-shih said.
“The mega scheme is also set to promote services industries, creating 10,000 new jobs in the process,” he said, adding that the MOTC will organize a presentation by the end of the month for prospective investors.
Beginning 2017, the ministry will join with Taipei City Government in urban renewal programs spanning 30 hectares of land surrounding the airport. These include access roads, business facilities, a CAA office building, hotels, and logistics and shipping industry zones.
The MOTC also plans to expand the Songshan’s business wing after the Ministry of National Defense agreed to release part of the land it currently uses for military purposes.
“Business travel has been growing at an annual rate of 20 percent since 2008,” Yeh said. “We aim to build on that foundation and stand shoulder to shoulder with rivals like Hong Kong and Singapore.”
MOTC data showed Songshan welcoming 2.33 million arrivals last year, up 118 percent from 2010. This number is forecast to rise a further 16 percent by year-end. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw