Premier Yu Shyi-kun pledged his full support yesterday for a proposed project to build a world-class multifunctional theater in southern Taiwan to boost balanced development around the nation.
The proposal was presented to Yu during his inspection tour of Kaohsiung City Government's Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
The bureau said it has commissioned National Sun Yat-sen University to conduct a feasibility study on the new theater.
The study shows that southern Taiwan truly needs a world-class theater to help promote cultural and artistic activities and upgrade the quality of life for residents in the region, the bureau said.
According to the study, the project can also boost the development of creative and tourism industries in southern Taiwan.
The bureau said it expects the project, with a price tag of about NT$6.5 billion, to be carried out between next year and 2006. It also asked the central government to help finance the project from its NT$300 billion special budget plan.
In response, Yu said the Cabinet will give full support to the project. He also promised to order central government agencies to assist in clearing up any roadblocks to complete the project as early as possible.
Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien (
A Ministry of National Defense official said that the relocation of the military facility would take place in 2005. He added that the ministry will do its utmost to accelerate the relocation project to facilitate construction of the new theater.
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