The Taoyuan Aerotropolis, situated around Taoyuan International Airport, represents Taiwan’s largest national infrastructure project since the Ten Major Construction Projects of the 1970s. After nearly two decades of relocation, resettlement, and compensation processes, the dust has finally settled.  Over the past two years, the future landscape of the Aerotropolis has begun to take shape.

Taiwan’s Most Promising Development Opportunity for the Next Two Decades 

“This is Taiwan’s most promising development opportunity for the next two decades, and possibly our last chance – it would be impossible to find another place with such potential for realizing our dreams!” emphasizes Ming-Ju Wang, Deputy Mayor of Taoyuan City and Chairman of Taoyuan Aerotropolis.

Wang explains that Taiwan’s strategic position as an Asia-Pacific transportation hub, combined with the abundant underdeveloped land around Taoyuan International Airport, creates an unprecedented opportunity.  The Aerotropolis project, centered around the airport, addresses both internal needs (Terminal 3, the third runway) and external development (industrial zones, residential areas, public facilities), making it a “national-scale urban planning project” implemented by the Taoyuan City Government.Inspecting the development progress of Taoyuan Aerotropolis Priority Industrial Zone to ensure steady project advancement.

A Blank Canvas Like Early Xinyi District of Taipei City

Through this reorganization, Taoyuan City has secured large, well-planned plots of land with comprehensive underground infrastructure including utilities, power, and fiber optic networks. Wang compares it to Taipei’s Xinyi District before the arrival of major department stores and office buildings.Aerial view of Taoyuan Aerotropolis, showcasing the development core of smart city initiatives, global supply chain hub, and sustainable development.

The Priority Industrial Zone, developed as a pilot project, has already attracted domestic investors including STARLUX Airlines, 7-ELEVEN, and Taiwan Life Insurance, creating a demonstration effect for future development.

Forum for “Industrial-Urban Prosperity” 

This year’s Taoyuan Aerotropolis Industry Forum, themed “Industrial-Urban Prosperity, Value Co-creation — Smart and Sustainable Aerotropolis,” aims to gather domestic and international expertise to discuss future development directions.The 2024 Taoyuan Aerotropolis Industry Forum calls for cross-sector collaboration to achieve co-prosperity and value co-creation between industries and the city.

Municipal Infrastructure Enhancement

Taoyuan city government is actively developing surrounding infrastructure, including the Green Line MRT’s Aerotropolis branch and improvements to nearby national highways. “By establishing strong fundamentals, we increase attractiveness for both industry investment and local employment,” Wang states.

However, the first phase of land acquisition and public infrastructure near the airport requires NT$120 billion, approximately 70% of Taoyuan City’s annual budget. This financial pressure has somewhat limited strict industrial zoning planning.

“There truly isn’t another place in Taiwan with such potential for realizing our dreams,” Wang concludes.  He hopes to collaborate with industry and central government to maximize the Aerotropolis’s benefits, serving not only Taoyuan and neighboring residents but all of Taiwan.

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