TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) said on Tuesday that Chiayi is entering a “golden decade” of growth from 2025 to 2035, driven by major investments in the Chiayi Science Park and related industrial projects, per CNA.

Speaking before county councilors, Weng said infrastructure work for the science park will be completed by the end of next year, with the central government already approving a 90-hectare expansion for Phase 2. He added that the park’s development is expected to generate long-term economic benefits and create thousands of jobs in southern Taiwan.

One of the park’s key tenants is TSMC, whose advanced packaging plant in Chiayi will begin installing equipment this month and start mass production in 2028.

To support the semiconductor supply chain, the county government is also developing 45 hectares of land in the Machouhou Industrial Park to provide facilities for materials and equipment manufacturers.

Weng said Chiayi’s industrial zones are seeing strong investment momentum. All 6.02 hectares (eight plots) of land in Zone 1 of Shuishang Industrial Park have been leased, while 17.83 hectares (52 plots) in Zone 1 of Zhongpu Industrial Park have reached an 85% leasing rate, with public facilities expected to be completed by 2027.

He also pointed to growth in the unmanned aerial vehicle sector. The Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center, established in 2022, has attracted 50 organizations from industry, academia, and government, has hosted 32 national delegations, and has signed memorandums of understanding with several international companies and testing institutions.

Beyond industry, Weng said Chiayi will boost its profile through upcoming national events, including the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival and the National Middle School Athletic Games. He said both will invigorate the local economy and strengthen business confidence.

With growing opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and tourism, Weng pledged that county departments will work together across sectors from commerce to culture and transport to ensure balanced regional development.

“Our goal,” Weng said, “is to promote Chiayi to the world and let more people witness its incredible transformation.”