Agricultural biotechnology park nears completion

With the completion of the first national agricultural biotechnology park drawing near, the Council of Agriculture (COA) yesterday called for more biotechnological companies to build factories in the park.

Located in the Changchih and Fangliao townships (長治鄉與枋寮鄉) of Pingtung County, the Agricultural Biotechnology Park has been under construction since 2003.

The park currently accommodates 35 biotechnology firms, covering a range of fields such as fluorescent fish breeding, health food innovation and cosmetics development.

It is estimated to bring in NT$25.8 billion (US$788 million) annually, helping the firms become "godfathers" of Taiwan's biotechnology industry, the COA said.

COA Chairman Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) said the park's completion will help transform the nation's traditional agricultural base and will also serve as a basis for agricultural sustainability.

Su said the park may become the nation's most important technology industry site and further equip farmers with resources to help play a decisive role in the country's biotechnology industry.

Chief director of the park's preparatory team Ting Shan-lung (丁杉龍) said further incentives will be offered to lure more businesses to the park.

He said the park had been authorized to issue certificates of operation within 10 days, adding that firms locating at the park will be able to enjoy an investment loan rate of 2 percent and stay rent-free till the end of next year.

Su said the government will continue promoting the park and provide more subsidies for agricultural research and development.