On August 1, Indigenous Peoples Day, Mayor Chang San-Cheng attended the opening press conference for the "KIRI International Indigenous Cultural and Creative Park" in Taoyuan. Mayor Chang emphasized that this day holds special significance for the indigenous communities across the nation. The KIRI Park, now the largest distribution center for indigenous products in the country, hosts the highest number of vendors and serves as a versatile venue showcasing diverse indigenous cultural elements. It stands as a crucial hub for promoting indigenous culture, and through this park, the beauty and richness of Taiwan’s indigenous heritage can reach an international audience.
The park is operated by a contracted vendor under the OT (Operating Transfer) model and features facilities such as conference rooms, multifunctional classrooms, exhibition spaces, and 48 units for showcasing and nurturing businesses. The main types of businesses include indigenous-themed dining, food products, and artisanal crafts. Beyond being a retail space, the park plays a vital role in industry incubation, support, and promotion. Just like its name, "KIRI," which means "back basket" in the Atayal language, the park symbolizes the daily lives and bounty of indigenous peoples. Moving forward, it aims to collaborate with the government, academia, and the public to foster the development and realization of indigenous economic industries.