Former Taiwan Provincial Government complex to house Innovation R&D park
Premier Liu Chao-shiuan recently approved a project to develop the huge land area housing the former Taiwan Provincial Government into a planned park for advanced technology research and development centers of potential industries.
The 200-hectare site, called Zhongxing Village in Nantou County, has remained idle since the provincial government was abolished and returned its governing power to the central government in 1998.
The central government decides to invest around NT$20 billion (US$606 million at US$1:NT$33) to construct the park and projects the construction to generate revenue up to NT$45.6 billion (US$1.3 billion) and create 16,800 jobs. The government plans to lure around 200 organizations to operate in the park, totally putting around NT$4.3 billion (US$130 million) into R&D every year. The park is estimated to boost local incomes and spending, creating consumer spending up to NT$5.1 billion (US$154 million). An estimated 11,400 jobs will be created when the park becomes operational.
The first-phase construction will begin late this year for completion in 2012, and the second-phase construction will start in 2013. Government-backed organizations including Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Institute for Information Industry (III) will open facilities in the park. The park is expected to lure potential industries including biotech, renewable energy, and optoelectronics industries to set up operations there.
The park is estimated to inspire industries to invest up to NT$66 billion (US$2 billion) in related businesses and bring in 11,300 inhabitants.
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