Financial Backing for the Industrial Development in Central and Southern Taiwan
The commercial and Industrial Bank of Taiwan (formerly known as the Industrial Bank of Taiwan) received its business registration on August 11, 1910. The aim was to promote and develop industries in the central and southern parts of Taiwan. The funds were raised mostly by Taiwanese gentry and elites, represented by Su Yunying, Lan Gaochuan, and Lin Lietang, and some prominent Japanese investors. The first Chairman was Yamashita Hidezane; the Directors included Su Yunying, Lan Gaochuan, Kaneko Keisuke, Koma Tsukusuya, Sakurai Gunnosuke, and Kuwabara Ijuurou; the Supervisors included Arai Taizi, Yasuda Otokyoshi, Yamamoto Saburo, Lin Zijin, Han Zheqing, Lin Lietang and others, and the General Manager was Ogura Fumiji. Judging from the Taiwanese individuals among the investors and the supervisory board, men like Su Yunying and Lan Gaochuan were from the influential and wealthy local families and were described as “the meritorious in the industry and renowned for their dedication to society”. They helped to raise the necessary funds to establish the Bank and provided capital for local corporations and the promotion of employment opportunities. Their contributions led to the revitalization of local industries and commerce (primarily the sugar industry). The founding capital was set at one million yen, with each share at 50 yen for a total of 20,000 shares. Due to the hard work and persuasiveness of the fund raisers, the total purchase of shares reached 21,126. The inaugural meeting was held on June 21, 1910, and the Bank officially opened for business in A-Gou (now Pingtung) on August 12.
