Taipei City Government

The city government held the fourth outdoor discussion panel on East District Gateway Plan at Nangang Vocational High School on October 3. Mayor Ko Wen-je led a number of agency heads to discuss the policies shaping the future of Nangang with residents of the district.
During his address, Ko stressed that just as West District serves as an important hub in connecting northern municipalities including Greater Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung, East District serves similar functions by providing High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways, MRT, and Bus networks. The transportation advantage adds to its significance in the development of biotech, software, and MICE industries.
In light of this, the mayor pointed out that five major plans have been set out for East District, focusing on the formation of a center highlighting transportation, software development, MICE events, biotech advancement, and start-ups incubation.

Deputy Mayor Lin elaborated that the East District Gateway Plan comprises 23 projects based on seven key notions. The plan spans four years’ time and aims to solicit eight-year private investment.
The details of the plan include setting up new YouBike rental stations and cycling trails; creating a biotech supply chain accompanied with 5,000 job opportunities; building an incubation center for entrepreneurial undertakings; completing the Taipei Pop Music Center promising 52 major performances a year; and implementing four environmental programs covering Nangang’s parks and Sifeng River.
Ko reckoned that seismic change in transportation and industry will lead to the relocation of populations as well as the redrawing of the employment map. He hopes to realize the vision of a new Nangang made possible through innovation and synergy between the public and private sectors.
He also promised residents to lay out a comprehensive urban renewal plan for Nangang by March of 2016. The issue has been of great concern for locals and requires serious planning by the government, Ko noted.