Addressing a ceremony to mark Matsu's ascension to heaven and the unveiling of a statue of the goddess of the sea — reported to be the world's tallest — at the Tianhou Temple, Mao said the statue will not only become a new tourist destination for the island but would also give the local economy a shot in the arm.

He promised to help build the temple and surrounding area into a religious zone to attract more Matsu followers and help boost local tourism.

The Matsu statue measures 28.8 meters in height, according to administrator of the temple, who said the temple plans to apply for a Guinness World Record for the world's tallest Matsu statue.