KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While addressing the 33^rd annual meeting of the International Urban Development Association (INTA) Monday, Mayor Chen Chu expressed the hope that by sharing its experience of innovative governing Kaohsiung and other subtropical cities could jointly seek innovative ways to work for the welfare of human beings.

Mayor Chen said in the opening ceremony that Kaohsiung has been converted from a conventional industrial city to a metropolis of sports and culture. The successful hosting of the 2009 World Games in July has let the world see Kaohsiung’s innovation and transformation, which echoed the INTA annual meeting’s theme of “Innovation, City, Environment.”

Her motto of governing Kaohsiung City is “citizen participation, happy Kaohsiung,” noted the mayor, adding that the city government has worked in full cooperation with Kaohsiung citizens over the past decade to establish the city’s competitiveness for the next century and create its unique self-confidence and sense of identity. Kaohsiung citizens are very proud of this southern city because of its experience of innovative governing, from dredging Love River to sponsoring the World Games. They are determined to further upgrade the city for gaining the strength of an international metropolis.

Mayor Chen also welcomed the INTA to hold its 33^rd annual meeting in Kaohsiung Oct. 4-6 on behalf of the city’s 1.53 million residents.

The merger of Kaohsiung city and county, pointed out Mayor Chen, will pose another great challenge following the hosting of the World Games. However, she is convinced that it will also be an opportunity for the city’s future development. The huge momentum produced by the World Games and the inspiration of the INTA annual meeting will certainly spur new experience for Kaohsiung.

Even though all major cities in the world are facing such major challenges as the global financial crisis, climate change and shortage of energy resources, Mayor Chen stressed that Kaohsiung will increase dialogue and exchanges with other cities and seek to jointly work for the welfare of human beings, making the innovative governing of Kaohsiung a model for other subtropical cities.

Photo

Mayor Chen Chu told the INTA annual meeting that she expected to share Kaohsiung City’s experience of innovative governing with other subtropical cities.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6066261&lang=en