Taiwan Today

The latest figures for 2009 compiled by the Ministry of the Interior reveal Taiwan is undergoing population drift, with locals moving from the western to eastern parts of the island. MOI Department of Statistics chief Chen Ching-hong said for the first time in history, more people are moving in than out of eastern Taiwan. “This homeward-bound phenomenon might be attributed to the economic downturn,” he said. Justin Huang, a legislator from Taitung County, said he was used to seeing large numbers of seniors when touring his constituency. “Now there are more young faces,” he said. “Young people with better economic situations are becoming local opinion leaders.” According to Chen, population drift out of Yilan and Hualien counties in the east has declined in recent years. “This is due to Hsuehshan Tunnel, which cut travel time between Taipei and Yilan,” he said. “As for Hualien and Taitung counties, many from these areas who left to work in the cities are now returning to farm.” Echoing Chen’s remarks, Huang said many adult returnees do well in the agricultural sector through the application of newly learned skills and innovative approaches. “Over the past two or three years, young farmers have been beating all comers in the rice quality competitions.” Yilan County Legislator Lin Chien-jung said government subsidies for the development of biological technology are helping to attract well-educated young to the agricultural sector. “They either come home to manage family farms, lease land with cheap rents or begin working on community projects to refurbish rural villages,” he said. “Many of them even have doctorates.” Lin cited the case of one farmer who employed a graduate student to help improve his muskmelons by making use of active cultures. “Much to the farmer’s satisfaction, this collaboration proved successful,” he said. Fu Kun-chi, a Hualien County lawmaker, said the local real estate market’s performance confirms the region has not done well over the past two years. “Around 20,000 people have moved out of Hualien,” he said. “If this trend has dropped off, it must be connected to the recession.” Fu said developing tourism will help the county, which boasts a wealth of natural and cultural resources, to create new jobs, reduce unemployment and entice more people to return home. (PCT-JSM)