County magistrate paints bright future for Yilan - 宜蘭

專門將台灣的人事物放上國際平台向世界宣傳介紹的行政院新聞局資料編譯處

針對近年來宜蘭經濟建設的發展 觀光產業的蓬勃以及綠能產業的前進等

認為宜蘭近年來的突破與國際的潮流不斷接軌

因此前陣子特別來到宜蘭專訪縣長以及本縣民宿業者

目前專訪縣長的專刊已經完成

民宿業者部分 待外籍人士編輯完成後也會放上來與各位分享

未來 縣府也會持續地朝國際化 學術化的方向

讓宜蘭縣的行銷不只在縣內 國內 更朝全世界邁進

也請各位提供意見 讓我們宜蘭的每一項特色都能在國際上發光發熱


網頁連結 : http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=71725&ctNode=427


‧Publication Date：10/23/2009
‧Source： Taiwan Today
‧By Chiayi Ho

In 2006, work on the Hsuehshan Tunnel—an expressway linking Taipei and Yilan
counties—was completed, signifying the dawn of a new era. According to Yilan
County Magistrate Lu Guohwa, the 16-year wait to put this piece of strategic
infrastructure in place was well worth it. Not only does the tunnel serve as
a transport corridor between his county and the capital, but it has helped lay
the foundation for Yilan’s long-term economic success.

“The government has made great strides in fulfilling infrastructure promises
made to the geographically disadvantaged people of Yilan County,” Lu said in
an exclusive interview with “Taiwan Today” Oct. 17. “The opening of the
tunnel ensures that locals can access social and economic opportunities,
while allowing goods to move from their point of origin to destination quickly
and inexpensively.”

With the end of his term as county magistrate approaching, the 53-year-old
regional leader reflected on his administration’s efforts to embrace the
opportunities presented by the tunnel and changing economic landscape.

“When it comes to constructing a better county for the residents of Yilan,
my team has utilized a pragmatic and fresh approach,” he said.
“This has delivered real gains in employment, environmental sustainability,
diversified culture, health care and social justice.”

But Lu’s take on Yilan’s economic performance is not just the words of an
optimistic public official eyeing re-election. According to the latest data
released by the Cabinet-level Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and
Statistics, Yilan’s 461,500 residents enjoyed an unemployment rate of 5.5
percent for the first half of this year—the lowest in Taiwan and under the
national average of 5.73 percent.

“Developing multiple industries and creating job opportunities remained a
firm priority throughout my four-year administration,” Lu said.
“To achieve this goal, we have sought to facilitate convenient transportation,
improve the investment environment and create business incentives. These have
all been decisive factors in stopping the flight of jobs and creating new
opportunities.”

Having long despaired at Yilan’s sluggish economic growth, one of the first
initiatives Lu unveiled after unseating two-term Democratic Progressive Party
incumbent Liu Shou-cheng in 2005, was a series of measures aimed at boosting
the local tourism, information technology and photovoltaic industries.

Renowned for its stunning mountain and coastal vistas, hot spring resorts and
a wide selection of high quality fresh produce, Yilan’s tourism potential is
without peer in Taiwan. As the county’s leading industry and major source of
revenue, tourism has received strong support from Lu’s administration in terms
of coordinated progressive policymaking.

“Given the quality service provided by five-star hotels, we have sought to
promote their establishment in an effort to upgrade the local service industry
and attract more international tourists.”

According to the local government’s Department of Tourism and Business,
eight five-star hotel construction projects totaling NT$17.9 billion
(US$551.44 million) are underway in Yilan. Upon completion, 1,600 hotel rooms
will be added to the region and nearly 2,000 job opportunities created.

Lu explained that a “tourism factory” plan, designed to help local businesses
upgrade their operations through cooperation with the county government,
related business associations, and academia, has played a crucial role in
developing the tourism industry. This has seen local organizations such as
Lotung Farmers’ Association and King Car Whisky Distillery transformed into
thriving tourism-orientated firms.

For the county magistrate, the creation of a low-pollution economy featuring
a high value-added products industry is the optimal outcome of his policies.
“This has seen the creation of multiple job opportunities, brought
improvements in the quality of the local workforce, and most importantly,
dispelled the myth of Yilan not being capable of sustaining a viable
information technology industry.”

“Considering the promising future prospects of low-carbon industries, along
with our commitment to protecting the environment, choosing to foster a
photovoltaic industry has been a solid decision,” Lu said. “In targeting
green industry projects, we will do whatever it takes to make the PV sector
shine brightly in this county.”

Year to date, total PV sector investment in Lung-Te Industrial Park—the
county’s premier IT manufacturing zone—reached NT$55.3 billion. This was
split mainly between Sunrise Global Solar Energy Co. Ltd., Taiwan
Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Unitech Co. Ltd., and other related PV-makers,
according to the local government’s Industrial Development and Investment
Promotion Committee.

In addition to its rosy economic outlook, the county also consistently tops
livability surveys. This is attributed in part to a variety of programs
covering beautification, heritage management and service enhancements.

Last month, Yilan was rated “the best county to live in” by voters
participating in an online survey conducted by Yahoo Taiwan Inc. Moreover,
the region is recognized as having one of Taiwan’s most effective local
government-run cancer prevention schemes, according to the results of a
recent survey released by local publication, “Common Health Magazine.”

Lu believes that such accomplishments are a credit to his administration’s
painstaking efforts to create new industries for Yilan and offering residents
a “better home for life.” “But my work is not yet finished,” he said.
“There is still much to be done.” (JSM)

Write to Chiayi Ho at [email protected]

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