(CNA) -- The Taiwanese government will consider moving its Kuokuang petrochemical project abroad to any country other than China, according to an economic affairs official Tuesday. Hwang Jung-chiou, vice minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), made the remark at a global technology forum while responding to media inquiries about where the USD 20.74 billion project could be moved to overseas.
China currently bans wholly foreign-owned enterprises from building naphtha cracking plants within its borders, which is why it is not an option for the government, explained the vice minister.
Economic Affairs Minister Shih Yen-shiang on Saturday ruled out the possibility of the Kuokuang project being built in Taiwan, a day after president Ma Ying-jeou withdrew support for the construction of the complex in central Taiwan's Changhua county, where it was originally planned.
The investment project has spurred nation-wide protests from students, environmental and local groups, who were concerned that the project could cause severe damage to Taiwan's environment and ecology.