TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Kaohsiung needs a new international airport that can operate 24 hours a day, Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said Tuesday.

Chen reportedly told Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) in November that a new airport could be built on land reclaimed from the sea outside Kaohsiung Port. The Cabinet responded Monday that the concept is still in an early discussion stage, per CNA.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Chen said semiconductor industry expansion to areas in the south, including Tainan, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, is the main reason why the city should have an airport where cargo planes can land and take off 24 hours a day. He called on the central government to consider the balanced development of different regions.

Chen highlighted Kaohsiung's rapid economic transformation from heavy industry to advanced technology, as well as the city's increase in international passenger traffic. Kaohsiung is currently served by Xiaogang International Airport.