台灣輸出導向的經濟發展政策，創造了傲人的成果，其結果不但展現在對GNP的顯著貢獻，而且，也澤及區域層次。簡言之，輸出導向的生產可以當作一促進國家及區域發展的策略。但此政策是否得以達成，其主要關鍵乃在港口機能之提供。本文企圖對台灣五大港口－高雄、基隆、台中、花蓮和蘇澳－敘述、分類，並以線性回歸模式分析港口成長與其腹地之區域發展間的互動關係。本文第一作者陶德博士更以其對中國大陸港口之研究，將中國幾個重要港口與台灣港口做比較，來凸顯台灣港口發展之特色。
Export-led growth is hailed for the results it has showered on Taiwan, results which take the form of very tangible contributions to GNP but which also bear fruit at the local level. In short, export promotion is an all-purpose strategy promising to fulfill national and regional development objectives alike. Whether this promise is realized depends on the provision of ports. The Taiwanese ports are described, classified, and subjected to a model designed to expose the relationship existing between port growth and regional development. The model establishes that the two main ports were instrumental in triggering hinterland development during the years of flourishing exports.
