The Executive Yuan has approved a project to develop Kaohsiung as a marine and airport city, and is prepared to invest NT$263.2 billion (US$8.2 million) to implement the program, the Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) said Wednesday. CEPD Vice Chairman Huang Wan-hsiang said the project is aimed at transforming the Kaohsiung harbor into a tourism port, while at the same time retaining its industrial functions. The northern side of Kaohsiung harbor will be designated as a tourism and business area, he said. The development of the southern side of the Kaohsiung harbor will revolve around the sea port, complemented by Kaohsiung International airport, he added. The CEPD said that it worked with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications at the end of last year to formulate the development plan for Kaohsiung. It is estimated that the project will produce 170,000 new jobs, and attract investments of NT$769.3 billion, the CEPD said. 