More than 250 representatives from 149 businesses attended the event, as well as representatives from overseas trade offices and industry associations. Participants were brought up to speed on the package, which comprises 48 projects spanning build-operate-transfer, urban renewal and public land development.
In addition, local governments such as Kaohsiung City and outlying Kinmen County unveiled their respective flagship undertakings for 2014.
Vice Premier Mao Chi-kuo said the government has made it a priority to attract private investment in the projects as this reflects global trends. It is important for all government agencies to further improve Taiwan’s domestic investment environment, enabling more funds from home and abroad to be injected into the projects, he added.
Echoing Mao’s remarks, MOF Minister Chang Sheng-ford said his ministry has set up a platform to facilitate private investment in the projects. This move is in line with President Ma Ying-jeou’s decision to ramp up private sector participation in public infrastructure projects as a way of bolstering Taiwan’s economy.
Chang said the MOF will open more projects to private investment in 2014 and 2015, with a focus on those involving social housing nationwide and the Free Economic Pilot Zones.
The minister said private sector involvement in the projects creates a win-win-win scenario for Taiwan, as they bolster government coffers, fast-track construction and generate additional returns for investors. (DF-JSM)
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