Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) Upgrading Songshan Airport to an international airport and offering direct flights to places like Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore will be key for Taipei City to attract foreign investment, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin said Wednesday.
Hau reiterated at an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) lunch that he supports offering direct flights from Songshan Airport to China and other Asian countries, which he claimed will be an important factor to encourage international corporations to set up their headquarters in Taipei while maintaining plants in China.
"However, it will not be possible if the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) keeps the presidency in the 2008 presidential election, " he told around 100 AmCham members in a question and answer session following a 40-minute speech.
Hau talked about his vision and plans for the largest city in Taiwan in his speech titled "Investment Opportunities for Urban Waterfront Development in Taipei City."
To revitalize urban waterfront, Hau said his three goals are to achieve great water quality, waterfront atmosphere and recreation. He also said the Tamsui River will be deodorized by 2011.
The city plans to maximize its information technology leverage in attracting foreign investment with the Taipei Technology Corridor, which will link the Neihu Technology Park, the Nangang Software Park, and the Beitou-Shilin Technology park that is still in the planning stage.