President Chen Shui-bian attended the beam raising ceremony of an elevated section of the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit System (KMRTS). "Transportation in Kaohsiung, with its mass rapid transit, is going to become a form of movement art that will not only elevate the city's image but also echo in international visitors' hearts, jingling "Kaohsiung...Shangrila...Taiwan...Formosa."
The president also hosted the KMRTS's ground breaking ceremony five years ago. Over the five years, the construction has been overseen by former Mayor and Premier Frank Hsieh and his successors pro tem, two acting mayors.
Kaohsiung, the largest port city in southern Taiwan, has been chosen as the host city of the World Games 2009. At the end of his remarks, the president wished the KMRTS and the city endless prospects.