NDC: 'Balancing Taiwan' Infrastructure Drive Progresses, Aims for 28% Completion Rate by 2026

(CNA, Taipei, 21st, by reporter Pan Tzu-yu) This May, the Danjiang Bridge successfully opened to traffic, serving not only as major transportation infrastructure but also as an international-level work of visual art. The National Development Council (NDC) stated in a press release today that to implement the 'Balancing Taiwan' concept, the government continues to promote 152 major construction projects. Besides the Danjiang Bridge, it is projected that a cumulative 42 projects will be completed by the end of 2026, bringing the overall completion rate to 28%. The NDC held its 141st committee meeting today, where two cases were presented: 'Strengthening the Momentum of Major Infrastructure to Accelerate Regional Balanced Development' and the Ministry of Economic Affairs' 'Progress Report on the SME and Microenterprise Revitalization and Development Plan (Program).' The committee also approved the draft 'Urban and Rural Landscape Green Living Creation Plan (2027-2032),' which will be submitted to the Executive Yuan for final approval. In its press release, the NDC explained that regarding accelerating regional balanced development, the Danjiang Bridge, which opened on May 12, is a key piece of the capital region's golden corridor transportation network. It has effectively shortened travel time between Tamsui and Bali by about 25 minutes and absorbed about 30% of the traffic from the Guandu Bridge. Various government ministries are actively promoting 152 major construction projects, with 23 completed to date. The NDC stated that this year, important projects such as the Da'an-Dajiaxi River Interconnection Pipeline and the addition of the North Outer Ring Interchange on the Tainan section of National Freeway No. 1 are expected to be completed. In the coming years, projects including the Hsinchu Science Park X-site Software Building Phase II, Taichung Veterans General Hospital's Third Medical Building, the National Comic Museum's main venue, as well as the Suhua Safe Highway and the Tainan MRT Blue Line Phase I, will also be advanced. NDC Chairman Yeh Chun-hsien emphasized that the government's promotion of 'Balancing Taiwan Major Construction' helps create local job opportunities, narrow the urban-rural wage gap, and can also assist the 'Five Trusted Industries' in taking root locally. He urged all ministries to prioritize budget allocation for the 2027 fiscal year for already-approved major construction projects. As for the implementation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' 'SME and Microenterprise Diversified Revitalization and Development Plan,' since its launch in January 2025, it has cumulatively counseled over 300,000 SMEs and microenterprises, achieving 89.3% of its phase goal, creating NT$11.274 billion in production value, and approving loans totaling NT$257.05 billion. The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that in terms of digital transformation, it has assisted over 50,000 businesses in adopting digital tools and trained over 300,000 digital talents. For the net-zero transition, it has counseled over 90,000 businesses, cumulatively reducing carbon emissions by 228,100 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) and saving 418 million kWh of electricity. In channel expansion, it assists businesses through diversified deployment