The government aims to attract local and international investors, including hospitals and hotels, hoping they will invest at least four billion Taiwan dollars (130 million US) in the project, he said.

Health authorities expect that in its first four years of operation the zone will attract around 45,000 foreigners, generating more than 10 billion Taiwan dollars in revenue.

Industry watchers are hopeful that Taiwan, which has been promoting medical tourism in recent years, can hold its own against competitors in the region such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

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