Changes in economy and industry dictate recent urban developments of important cities. Because of job opportunities brought about by business investments, the ensuing stable income and consumption bring in other types of investment opportunities. Prosperity affected by sea-related trade makes many harbour cities, like Rotterdam and Amsterda, long lasting. In the 19th century, some cities boomed because of one single industry, like Pittsburgh 's steel and Manchester 's textiles. Business booms and busts and changes in traffic conditions can often affect a city's development

A great challenge for governments is how to adjust conditions appropriately in an ever-changing environment. A city's development hinges on its innate advantages and timely business policies for investments and transformations.

Affected by global industry changes and a lack of prosperity, traditional industries in Kaohsiung City have experienced a boom and bust period, which has also given rise to Kaohsiung's recent high unemployment rates. Currently, the municipal government of Kaohsiung is, through large-scale public investments and urban planning, incorporating the advantageous, international harbour into the development blueprint of the city, and Kaohsiung City is being reborn as a free-trade harbour area.

With the rapid economic growth of nearby South-East Asian counties and cities, Kaohsiung is facing an even stiffer commercial competition. For Kaohsiung to maintain its place and develop further, the adjustment of the industry compositions of Kaohsiung City and its vast southern hinterland, the forming of a Taiwanese Hi-Tech Corridor, and the generation of investment in industrial parks and available sea-airlinks have become critical.

Under the premises of free-trade and an international tourist harbour city, Kaohsiung still needs restructuring of urban scenery to fully exploit its natural charms and attract international talents and funds. If Kaohsiung can participate competitively in the globalized economy and also bring home a brand new state of affairs for urban tourism, it will ahve a bright future.