The proposal, which is part of the Cabinet’s NT$15 billion (US$485.3 million) transformation of the port, involves commercializing sites currently occupied by the East Fourth and Fifth piers, as well as the ROC navy’s nearby Weihai Compound. The military functions will be relocated to the west side of the harbor.
Premier Jiang Yi-huah said the plan is long overdue. “For the past two decades, the development of Keelung Port has been restricted due to conflicting uses of land along the coastline.
“By concentrating container services and navy facilities on the west side, the east side of the harbor adjoining the city’s downtown area can be converted for exhibition centers, hotels, marinas and recreational facilities.”
According to Jiang, the project will move into the design phase for the next two years, with work scheduled to commence in 2017. Upon completion, the revamped area is projected to generate NT$90 billion in revenue and create close to 10,000 jobs.
The world’s seventh largest container port in the 1980s, Keelung is now a major destination for cruise ships visiting East Asia. (YHC-JSM)
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