ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said the government will spend NT$4 billion (US$130 million) revitalizing central Taiwan’s Dacheng Township as part of plans to spur local investment and fast track regional development.
“This initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to laying the foundations for balanced economic development nationwide,” Ma said. “No part of the country will be overlooked in the drive to achieve greater prosperity during the golden decade.”
The president’s remarks came Oct. 24 at a presentation in the township attended by residents, industry representatives and central and local government officials.
Dacheng, located in western Changhua County, was the original site for the KuoKuang petrochemical complex. Long seen as a major growth driver for Taiwan’s petrochemical industry, the controversial facility was cancelled in April following widespread protests over its environmental impact.
The government moved to cushion the impact of its KuoKang decision on the local economy with an economic revitalization plan. Drafted by the Council for Economic Planning and Development, the blueprint comprises 36 projects spanning agriculture, beautification, drainage, ecotourism, forestation, industrial parks and transportation.
The CEPD forecasts the plan to attract NT$6 billion in private investment over the next four years, creating 3,300 jobs for residents. After the industrial park comes on line, the government will launch an NT$19 billion public-private sector investment fund to create 7,000 additional employment opportunities.
“The plan will greatly improve Dacheng’s business environment and landscape,” CEPD officials said. “We also expect the initiative to encourage locals working in other parts of Taiwan to return home, further promoting the local economy.”
