TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chiayi Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) announced on Monday (Nov. 4) that despite a cultural site found during Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC, 台積電) construction at Chiayi Science Park (嘉義科學園區), there will be no delays in the installation schedule set for the third quarter of next year.
Weng emphasized Chiayi Science Park's infrastructure will be completed by 2026, with full development expected by December 2029. Already, six companies have received approval from the Southern Taiwan Science Park administration for their projects in the area. The Economic Development Department revealed that authorities auctioned off 111.71 hectares acquired in the later stage of the "Ma Cho Hou Industrial Park" project (馬稠後產業園區).
Of this, 44.48 hectares will serve as a semiconductor supply chain park, with development slated for completion by Oct. 27, 2025. Chiayi County faces economic challenges, as Councilor Ho Tzu-fan (何子凡) highlighted using last year's household income survey from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics.
The county ranks second to last in average disposable household income, with a staggering 23.1% increase in housing prices, the highest in Taiwan. Weng stressed Chiayi County's agricultural roots and the historical, political, and economic factors contributing to its lower average figures.
Weng assured that the county government is striving to transform the industrial structure, expressing confidence in future improvements. As Chiayi County navigates these changes, the forthcoming infrastructure developments may signal a transformative era for the region.
