Taipei plans to become international metropolis
Taipei’s plan to be an international metropolis is a trilogy, namely to host the 21st Summer Deaflympics in September, the International Gardening & Horticulture Exposition in November 2010 and to join the Shanghai World Expo in May 2010, says Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin in a press conference held on Monday.
“More than 4,000 deaf athletes coming from 81 countries will be walking the streets of Taipei during the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Septemper,” said Hau. “They will feel the respect, compassion, and pedestrian-first initiatives we have been promoting in this city.”
Chinese Taipei ranked No. 5 in 2005’s Deaflympics in Melbourne. With home court advantage this year, Taiwan stands a good chance of moving to No. 1.
To bring Taipei to the world and the world to Taiwan has been Hau’s core platform for internationalization since he assumed office in December 2006. These international events are deemed Taipei’s trilogy to connect with the world. For the 2010 Shanghai Expo, the Taiwan Pavilion will showcase Taipei as a wireless city, waste sorting and recycling systems in the Urban Practices Area. “I wish the exposure attracts more global participation to our International Gardening & Horticulture Exposition in 2010.”
The flower expo is expected to bring in six million participants nationwide, and 300,000 to 500,000 tourists from around the world, besides those from China.
Its significance lies in building Taipei into an international metropolis, the efforts invested foreseen to bring in essential financial returns to the city.
“Taipei residents will also feel proud of their city as being livable and friendly,” Hau said.
Taipei City’s Children’s Recreation Center and the Xinsheng overpass, two aging city icons are undergoing reconstruction in preparation for the expo.
“We also plan to build a temporary recreation area for children near the Taipei Zoo,” said Hau.
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