To address the high cost of residential housing in the Taipei metropolitan area that has put home buying beyond the reach of average white-collar wage-earners, the Executive Yuan has decided to build 4,000 units of affordable residential dwellings with an approximate price per 3.3 square meters of NT$180,000. They are to be constructed on a 226.78-hectare plot of land acquired in Guishan Township, Taoyuan County in line with the development plan for the area surrounding Station A7 of the rapid transit line that will connect Taipei with Taoyuan International Airport. In response to energy saving and carbon-emission reduction trends, the units will have to meet a building code incorporating green building standards. They are scheduled for completion by 2013.
The northeast seacoast is a key scenic and recreation area of Taiwan. However, development has been hampered by private land holdings subject to various urban planning restrictions undermining its landscape. Accordingly, the Council for Economic planning and Development under the Executive Yuan has completed drafting a land-use and landscape improvement plan, which calls for acquiring 688.5 hectares of land for integrated development of the northeast coastal region. Aside from protecting the seacoast landscape, over 14 hectares of land will be used to build hotels or even vacation resorts, while nearly 17 hectares will be designated as an area for building commercial establishments. Overall cost of the development project is estimated to require nearly NT$10.55 billion and is planned to be financed with private-sector investment capital. It is slated for completion in 2013.
To balance development of southern Taiwan with that of the north, the greater Kaohsiung area is set to become a sea- and air-trade metropolis to enhance its fundamental infrastructure development and competitiveness. The Executive Yuan plans to earmark NT$263.2 billion for implementing 36 programs and 18 measures, which it expects to attract NT$769.3 billion of private-sector corporate investment, potentially adding an estimated 170,000 employment opportunities to the area. The marine and air trade metropolis will feature construction of an intercontinental container center and an international airport, as well as development of a sea and air free-trade harbor area, while bringing in port-related industries such as value-added logistics. The Executive Yuan expects to complete a detailed plan by the end of 2010.
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Northeast scenic area to be improved (March 2, 2010)
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=95212&CtNode=436
Major infrastructure projects planned for south (March 4,2010)
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=95377&CtNode=436
3. Government unveils affordable housing program (Feb. 4, 2010)
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=93618&CtNode=436