Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Mayor Hau Lung-bin and Chang Jui-lin, the representative of the project team headed by Hon Hai Group, signed the document finalizing the Taipei Information Park BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) project on June 28. During his speech, the mayor vowed to create an electronic shopping center that will replace Japan’s Akihabara.
According to the mayor, one of the key factors leading to the company’s successful bid was Chairman Terry Gou’s presentation emphasizing the importance of the project to Taipei’s role as the hub of IT products and to creating more jobs for the younger generation.
Guo said the company will provide NT$200 million to set up a fund for young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, as well as a center to train young talents in the fields of creativity and innovation.
The mayor remarked that this project builds a platform that helps the development of the local IT industry and provides young people opportunities to pursue their dreams. With the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), he believes that this will also encourage Taiwanese businesspersons in China to return home and set up shop in the city.
Based on the deal, Taipei City Government will be able to collect up to NT$1 million in franchise, as well as approximately NT$17 million each year from lease. The central government is expected to receive NT$7 billion through various taxes as well.
The Department of Finance reported that Taipei Information Park covers 2,687 pings, with total floor space of 7,893 pings. The complex comprises individual booths carrying 3C products, brand-name flagship stores, multi-purpose exhibition space, video game zone, and more.
Taipei Information Park is slated to open in March of 2014.