TAIPEI: The number of employees at northern Taiwan's Hsinchu Science Park has climbed back up to more than 130,000 from the 128,000 who were employed at the beginning of this year. The figures are among the latest indicators of business recovery, the park's administration said yesterday.

In addition, electricity and water usage at the park have reached 80-90 percent of previous peak levels, and the capacity utilization rate has also increased, said Randy Yen, director-general of the park administration.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the science park's 29th anniversary, Yen also said that the park in northern Taiwan will put more effort into energy conservation and carbon emissions reduction.

Yen said the park has become more beautiful in the past year, and the administration will continue to improve the investment environment for manufacturers.

At the anniversary celebrations, the administration presented awards to companies that have performed outstandingly in areas such as product innovation, research and development, international cooperation and energy conservation.

Last Saturday, the administration of the Southern Taiwan Science Park also said that business there was showing signs of recovering from a deep economic slump, as job openings are increasing and fewer workers are on unpaid leave.

The Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan, the Central Taiwan Science Park and the Southern Taiwan Science Park are the island's main high-tech manufacturing centers.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 12/16/2009 page2)