The harbor has been the meeting grounds of the city and the sea ever since the beginning of the Age of Exploration. Development of harbors began when urbanization and civilization looked to open up the barriers presented by the sea. Cities equipped with harbors thus became important in the writing of history and the various connections all over the world. Cities exist for the people that live in them. Similarly, harbors flourish because of the trade that flows between cities. Cities and harbors have influenced one another due to economic activity and changes in the environment. Now, they require the people to deal with seemingly intractable problems such as pollution, management, energy, disasters, public health, and disease prevention. As a result, the separation of harbors from cities has deepened.

Nevertheless, harbors constitute a part of their cities, which is to say: the barriers separating harbors from cities are not natural but manmade. In recent years, developments in technology and changes to harbor city governance, along with smart technology, green initiatives, and environmental protection, have made possible a solution for the transformation of harbors and the advancement of cities. The ideal relationship between a city and its harbor, that “The city supports the harbor, the harbor allows the city to flourish,” has re-emerged as the barrier between the city and its harbor has toppled, as operation concepts and governance systems have been rebuilt and improved the functionality of harbors, as shores have been refurbished and allowed cities to flourish, and as we as have embraced environmental sustainability.

Kaohsiung’s own experience in the interaction between city and harbor is a perfect exposition of the beauty and the hope that can exist between city and harbor. In 2016, Kaohsiung held the first ever Global Harbor Cities Forum, a venue for the exchange of ideas on harbor cities. Nearly 50 representatives from major harbor cities from around the world and opinion leaders from professional fields discussed industry, tourism, and sustainability with regard to harbors. In the process, they developed many consensuses for cooperation. Now, we are at a crucial juncture in how harbors and cities will cooperate and develop in the future. It is in this light that we will hold the “Global Harbor Cities Forum” on the topic. Here and Beyond: Forces affecting our future. We invite harbor cities from around the world to attend and tie friendly connections, establish real cooperative relationships at all levels, and to consider the limitless possibilities of the harbors of tomorrow—together!

Facing the Taiwan Strait on the west and Bashi Channel to the south, Kaohsiung is a beautiful and modern metropolis located in Southern Taiwan. Greater Kaohsiung, with a population of 2.77 million, possesses within its limits a wide variety of natural landscapes and living facilities, making it set to thrive as a new global city.

With its international airport, world-class seaport and high-speed rail, Kaohsiung is easily reachable from anywhere in the world. Access into and within the city is enhanced by the new light-rail system and underground MRT, which have all contributed to turn the city into a center for global production and a springboard for ventures into the global market.

Buoyed by years of continuous e orts from citizens and city government alike, Kaohsiung has advanced from a business-driven, industrial city, into a city of culture, tourism, green spaces and sustainability. The Asia New Bay Area Redevelopment Project on its harbor, is one of the important milestones on this journey. The New Bay Area features 4 major centers (the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, Kaohsiung Music Center and Kaohsiung Main Public Library) and the 1st stage of the light-rail system. These projects have transformed this city-harbor area into a hub for industrial innovation, attracting public and private investment.

Ever since the 2009 World Games, Kaohsiung has been accumulating successful experience in holding remarkable mega events and is more than capable to host major international expos and large conventions, such as the 2018 International e-Sports Federation (IeSF) World Championship and the renown International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress in 2020. With continuous improvement and innovative investments, Kaohsiung continues to evolve, rising from its roots as an industrial manufacturing city into a vibrant and international MICE city. An exciting journey!

Kaohsiung launched the Global Harbor Cities Forum (GHCF) in 2016 as a platform for addressing the sustainable economic growth of harbor cities with the aim of encouraging international cooperation among fellow cities with common issues. Cities learned from and exchanged successful experience with other cities in order to apply fresh approaches towards achieving global prosperity. Kaohsiung is constantly searching for ways of creating new value to let it better serve as an example for its partner global harbor cities.

The City of Kaohsiung is ready and waiting for you!