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Economic
As the gifted harbor has a coastline of 12km, a wide hinterland and well-developed transportation networks, prosperous industrial and commercial activities are supported. It was already listed as early as 1953 as the focus of industrial and economic development and construction by the government. A huge labor population was thus attracted to live here, which led to the formation of the current industrial and commercial harbor.
Industrialization was the beginning of the transformation of Kaohsiung City, as well as the indelible mark in the course of Kaohsiung City’s development. The steel industry (headed by China Steel Corporation), the petrochemical industry (led by Chinese Petroleum Corporation), the ship building industry (dominated by the unique CSBC Corporation, Taiwan), the cement industry (which has the largest production in Taiwan), and the two export processing zones in Kaohsiung and NanTse have all together made Kaohsiung the city with the highest productivity in the country, as well as a prosperous industrial and commercial city.
At present, the industry of Kaohsiung City is transforming into a precision industry featuring high technology, automation, high added value and low pollution. Other than enjoying prosperous industrial and commercial development, Kaohsiung City is also No.1 in the pelagic fishing of the country and plays an important role in the world’s pelagic fishery industry.
Powered fishing vessels have a tonnage of over 620,000, which accounts for 66.63% of the total tonnage of the fishing vessels in Taiwan. The annual catch reaches over 681,000 tons, which accounts for 54.24% of the total productivity of Taiwan. The pelagic fishing boats already sail worldwide in the three major oceans and there are 63 pelagic bases. The fish sold in foreign bases amounts to 230,000 tons, valued at over NTD8.9 billion. At present, 5 countries have signed Fisheries Agreements with our country and there are 20 countries participating in non-governmental fisheries cooperation.
Leading Wave
Ocean Capital - Kaohsiung
Being conveniently located by the ocean gives a city a distinct advantage in the international shipping industry. By capitalising on this geographical advantage, famous coastal cities such as Rotterdam, San Francisco, Hamburg, and Vancouver have become home to a number of the world’s most significant international shipping routes, and therefore have a major effect on world trading. Possibly enhanced by their superb location, these cities share other common characteristics such as a vibrant culture, a colourful history, spectacular sights, and renowned landmarks.
Kaohsiung City shares the same advantages as those of its fellow coastal cities. A prime location by the ocean means that Kaohsiung City is the only city representing Taiwan on the world’s international shipping routes. Compared to the other harbour cities within the Asian-Pacific region, Kaohsiung is more closely located in distance to other international ports. With such an ideal location, it’s no wonder the Dutch came to occupy the island during the 17th century, and then the Japanese during the “Japanese Colonisation Era”.
As the economy of the city began to boom during the 1970s, the cargo shipped into the harbour began to increase. In terms of the gross volume of cargo that was shipped in, Kaohsiung was ranked 3rd in the world. Although it is now facing stiff competition from developing harbour cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, Kaohsiung Harbour still maintains an annual growth of 8-10% (volume of cargo shipped in), which proves the strong position of Kaohsiung Harbour in the Asian-Pacific region.
With a shift towards globalisation during the 21st century, there’s been an increase in the number of factories moving to Asia. Not only does this potentially improve the economic situation of the Asian-Pacific region, but it has led to a new way of doing business This “new way of doing business” revolves around the concept of a city serring as a central area for a number of countries, rather than the more traditional approach of a city solely serring the country it’s located in. Kaohsiung is taking advantage of this widening of the boundaries and is being developed as the central location in the Asian-Pacific region for shipping and trade.
Under such a thriving competitive environment, the citizens of Kaohsiung must work together to enhance the future of the city.
Kaohsiung’s International Position
Globalisation & Traditionalism
By the end of 1980, globalisation was in full-flight. Kaohsiung City took full advantage of this era by both utilising the available Western technology and capitalising on the city’s warm local atmosphere in order to further develop its shipping industry. Furthermore, the concept of globalisation of the city whilst maintaining its traditional elements was established.
Courtesy of the media, Taiwan took to the exciting atmosphere associated with globalisation like the younger generation takes to the hype associated with Taiwanese pop culture. Electronic industries in Hsin Chu and the Tainan Science Park were developed, and they helped to put Taiwan on the “international trading map”. Images of well-known franchises such as McDonalds, famous clothing brands, and international pop music became common place across the island.
Globalisation has also forced the people of Kaohsiung to take a good look at their city’s image in order to identify what it actually stands for. Globalisation has brought with it a sense of urgency amongst the people to rapidly develop the city so that it remains competitive with the capital, Taipei.
Back as early as the 17th century, the inhabitants of Kaohsiung were taking full advantage of the city’s fine geographical location by exporting rice and sugar. The harbour was then further developed during the Japanese Colonial Era under a concept known as “marching to the south”, which entailed focusing on the southern region for trade. Furthermore, it served as a vital port in supplying rations to the Japanese during both the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Throughout its history, Kaohsiung City has been developed into an international port city under the rule and control of various nationalities. Despite its exposure to diverse foreign culture, the city has successfully maintained its maritime charm.
The effects of globalisation can be seen and felt throughout the whole city; Western style outdoor cafes lining Love River, international gourmet meals offered in the five-star hotels, Japanese culture on display at Hsin-Chueh-Chian, as well as the music carnival at Cijin, to name just a few. Despite the exciting changes that globalisation brought to Kaohsiung City, fortunately, there are still many traditional elements that have gone untouched. These elements can be felt in the daily way of life, including the wide-spread use of the Taiwanese dialect, the strong fishing culture of Cijin Island, the strong religious image of Lotus Lake, the bustling Liu-Ho Night Market,San Fong Zhong Street, and the local theatrical troupes performing traditional cultural performances.