Ilan chosen for new science park base

As available land at Hsinchu Science Park (新竹科學園區) is diminishing due to expansion in recent years, the government has chosen Ilan County as a second base for the park, as part of the government's goal to promote the country as a "Green Silicon Island."

The park, named "Ilan Science Park" (宜蘭科學園區), is scheduled to be launched at the end of next year. It includes two major zones totaling 1,120 hectares, and is set to accommodate communications service providers and high-tech manufacturers, James Lee (李界木), director general of Science Park Administration, told a conference to attract prospective investors yesterday.

According to the plan approved by the Cabinet in March, a know-ledge-based communications service zone containing a digital innovation center will be opened at the end of next year.

Located in less-developed northeastern Taiwan, Ilan has won fame as a destination by holding the International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival and Green Expo in recent years.

A great natural and living and environment, and abundant water and human resources are advantages for firms to set up operations in the region, Ilan County Commissioner Liu Shou-cheng (劉守成) said during the conference.

With the Taipei-Ilan freeway to be completed by the end of next year, it will take only 40 minutes to go from Ilan to the capital, Liu said.