In Taiwan, the local government of Kaohsiung, the most densely populated and second largest city of the state, has called on the local steel industry to shut down during the period of the World Games 2009 which the city will host from July 16 to July 26.
In order to reduce air pollution levels, the Kaohsiung government is considering a shutdown plan for the steel industry which would last for about 11 days.
In response the steelmakers have said that they will try their best to satisfy the government's demands but that they would find it difficult to suspend production for 24 hours a day, as this would greatly impact market supply.