Dalong Market Review Report Submitted Last-Minute, Taipei City Council Committee Delays Budget

According to Central News Agency, concerns over the Dalong Market intensified after city officials previously described it as 'lacking uniqueness.' Today, the Taipei City Council's Finance and Construction Committee convened a special session on market renovations, reviewing budgets and final accounts. Chen Jun-an, Director of the Department of Industrial Development, and Huang Hong-guang, Director of the Markets Section, attended the meeting.

Huang had previously stirred controversy by stating during a council inquiry that the Dalong Market 'lacks distinctive features.' Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councilor Yan Ruo-fang questioned why the Markets Section had not yet submitted the promised review report, noting it was due a week earlier. Although a report titled 'Review of Dalong Market Operations and Improvement Strategies' was submitted just before the meeting ended, councilors criticized it as too brief and lacking substance.

Yan asked whether the Markets Section director had attended meetings with the Dalong Market self-governing committee. Huang responded that he had communicated with the committee head but did not attend the meetings. Yan pointed out that the self-governing committee had reported interest from young entrepreneurs wanting to join the market—a fact unknown to the director. She emphasized that revitalizing the market requires a clear brand identity.

When Huang described the market as a 'modernized traditional market,' Yan criticized the phrase as generic and applicable to any market. Councilor Lin Zhen-yu of the Taiwan People's Party added that such a report 'could have been written by AI.' As a result, the committee demanded a revised report and postponed the budget review for the Department of Industrial Development.

Chen Jun-an stated that the Dalong Market has historical significance and is surrounded by rich cultural assets. He pledged to lead discussions with the Markets Section to explore integrating the market with nearby commercial districts and attracting younger vendors to revive business activity.

Additionally, the committee deferred a decision on renewing the contract with Taipei Livestock Marketing Company due to concerns raised by DPP councilors over management practices, while Kuomintang (KMT) members suggested further discussion. The issue will be revisited at the next session.