Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) The government plans to transform Taoyuan County, northern Taiwan, into an air transportation hub, President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting with some 400 representatives of businesses established in eight industrial parks in Taoyuan, Chen said that one-fourth of the proposed budget of NT$500 billion (US$15.1 billion) for the 10 new major projects for the next five years will be used in construction of the county's transportation facilities, including a rapid transit system linking the Chiang Kai-shek International Airport with the mass transit system of Chungli City.
In addition, he continued, the construction projects for an air cargo park and a passenger transportation center have been contracted.
Once these projects are finished, Chen said, Taoyuan will become an air transportation city.
Together with the high-speed railway, which will be inaugurated by the end of next year, Taoyuan will help Taiwan become a "city-state," making every place in the country accessible within one day, he added.
Chen also touted the economic achievements of his administration, including the improvement of financial institutions' operations, the economic recovery, the increase of investment in the country and the sharpening of the nation's international competitiveness.
Taiwan's economy will take off again in light of the booming housing industry and stock market over the recent months, the president affirmed.
He encouraged domestic enterprises to join the government's efforts to construct the nation for the sake of the people's welfare.