[Kaohsiung News] Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai chaired a municipal administrative meeting on March 11th, where the Environmental Protection Bureau presented a special report on carbon credits and net zero strategic planning. After reviewing the report, Mayor Chen emphasized the importance of carbon reduction and net zero development and tasked all agencies with continuing to plan initiatives related to carbon credits, carbon inventory, and carbon footprint. He urged agencies to establish clear timelines and concrete action plans while discussing carbon credit policies and implementation strategies with Professor Fan Chien-te of National Tsing Hua University.
Mayor Chen also discussed the Ministry of Environment’s recent announcement of Phase 3 inventory targets, which include medical centers, automotive transportation, hotels, MRT systems, and data centers. The inventory is expected to be completed by April next year, and he urged regulatory agencies to monitor and guide industries in reducing emissions to foster a sustainable and green lifestyle and drive Kaohsiung’s urban sustainable development efforts.
During the meeting, the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau also presented a report on MRT joint development projects. The report detailed progress on the Yellow Line, Gangshan- Lujhu Extension, Xiaogang-Linyuan Extension, and four light rail projects. To support MRT development funding, the city has successfully secured seven joint development projects. In 2024 alone, four additional contracts were signed, generating an estimated NT$60 billion in development benefits to support further infrastructure investment. Mayor Chen commended the Mass Rapid Transit Joint Development Office (KJDO) under the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau for its dedication and efficiency despite limited resources and personnel. He also instructed the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau to continue advancing transit-oriented development (TOD) around station areas and called on all relevant agencies to collaborate in building a more convenient and integrated MRT network for Kaohsiung residents.
Mayor Chen further highlighted the significant financial burden of locally funded MRT projects and stressed the importance of ensuring that these developments do not compromise other infrastructure projects or public budgets. He directed the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau to assess and optimize available land for development and encouraged all government agencies to work together to accelerate and expand joint MRT development initiatives. Additionally, he instructed the Rail Financing and Infrastructure Task Force to continuously review and refine financial plans on an ongoing basis to ensure the sustainability and economic feasibility of Kaohsiung’s MRT expansion.
The Mass Rapid Transit Bureau stated that to secure funding for MRT construction and ensure the timely and high-quality completion of four ongoing MRT lines, the city government has actively promoted MRT joint development policies. These efforts have already generated NT$60 billion in funding to support MRT infrastructure. Additionally, with urban planning procedures underway, new projects set for investment promotion in 2027 will further enhance MRT development funding. These initiatives align with Kaohsiung’s “S-shaped semiconductor cluster” and 5G AIoT industry corridor policies, attracting industries, creating job opportunities, and reshaping MRT stations into key urban hubs. By strengthening public space utilization and guiding the city toward a multi-core, mixed-use urban model, the MRT network serves as a catalyst to accelerate urban and industrial development.
Meanwhile, Kaohsiung continues to host a series of high-profile events, with concerts by Kylie Minogue, GFRIEND, and Jacky Cheung, alongside Kaohsiung’s Sakura Festival and Megaport Festival, which will kick off on March 15. During the meeting, Mayor Chen directed the Transportation Bureau and Police Department to assist with traffic management. He also tasked the Tourism Bureau, Economic Development Bureau, and other agencies with actively promoting tourist attractions, travel itineraries, and commercial districts, aiming to draw music fans to experience Kaohsiung’s vibrant charm, boost economic activity, and continue leveraging the city’s concert economy as a driver of urban transformation.
Caption 1-2: Mayor Chen presides over a municipal administrative meeting, emphasizing the importance of carbon reduction and net zero development while recognizing the NT$60 billion revenue generated through MRT joint development over the past six years. He also instructed the implementation of concert economy support measures and related activities, actively driving multi-faceted urban transformation.