Taiwan’s international ports are set for large-scale expansion under a five-year program aimed at strengthening overall competitiveness, according to the ROC Council for Economic Planning and Development Aug. 6.
“The project will play a key role in the sustainable development of the facilities by significantly increasing operating capabilities and extending economic reach,” a CEPD official said.
Implemented by Taiwan International Ports Corp. under the ROC Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the NT$66 billion (US$2.2 billion) project is to be financed through state-backed Port Construction Fund and TIPC operating budgets.
The plan will add a passenger zone and commercial district to Keelung Port, as well as more access roads, three bulk and sundry goods docks, one multipurpose dock and additional public warehousing facilities to Taichung Port.
It also includes land reclamation and dredging operations near Taipei Port; implementation of Intercontinental Container Terminal and South Star Development projects for Kaohsiung Port; and beefed-up infrastructure works to ensure the safety of Hualien, Anping and Su-ao ports.
“Another key part of the program is the cruise ship industry,” the official said. “Kaohsiung is set to become the country’s center of cruise operations by 2016, with annual passenger arrivals reaching 1.3 million, double that of last year.”
The project, which is pending ROC Cabinet approval, is slated to get under way later this year. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mail.mofa.gov.tw