TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Central Taiwan's ambitious transportation expansion hit a milestone Wednesday (May 14) as officials gathered to formalize the next phase of Taichung's emerging metro network. The contract signing ceremony for the crucial BM01 section of the Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Blue Line drew high-profile attendees to City Hall, including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and her counterpart from the capital, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安).
The winning consortium reflects a multinational partnership, bringing together firms from Taiwan, Singapore, France, and South Korea in a display of cross-border infrastructure cooperation. Diplomatic representatives from each participating nation attended the ceremony, including Yip Wei Kiat (葉偉傑) of Singapore, Franck Paris (龍燁) of France, and Lee Eun-ho (李殷鎬) of South Korea, all based at their respective trade offices in Taipei. Mayor Lu conveyed optimism about the project, citing the consortium's expertise as key to creating a transportation system that will earn the affection of local citizens.
In her remarks, Mayor Lu framed the project within a broader context of shifting global trade patterns, suggesting the multinational collaboration exemplifies successful market diversification strategies in response to recent American tariff policies. The partnership also builds on existing municipal cooperation, as Mayor Chiang pointed out that Taipei's government had formalized an agreement last year to share its considerable metro development expertise with Taichung authorities as they advance their Blue Line construction.
The official proceedings concluded with Mayor Lu hosting her Taipei counterpart on a tour of nearby government buildings, followed by a private lunch meeting between the two leaders. When approached by media, Mayor Lu notably avoided addressing questions regarding speculation about her possible candidacy for leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party that both mayors represent. ◼