Private Committee for Busan Expo Launches on the 31st
President Yoon Suk-yeol poses for a commemorative photo with attendees at the launch ceremony of the Private Committee, held after the 2030 Busan Expo Hosting Support Committee strategy meeting at the Busan International Passenger Terminal Conference Hall on the 31st. (Photo by Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), stated regarding the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo, "Our business community considers the successful bid for the Busan Expo, which is essential for the nation's future, not someone else's business but our own, and we will do our best."
Chairman Chey made these remarks at the launch ceremony of the '2030 Busan World Expo Bid Support Private Committee' held at the Busan International Exhibition & Convention Center in the afternoon. The ceremony was attended by key figures from the new government, business leaders, senior officials, and politicians. From the business sector, attendees included Chairman Chey, Koo Ja-yeol, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, Lee In-yong, President of Samsung Electronics, Gong Young-woon, President of Hyundai Motor Company, Lee Hyung-hee, Chairman of SK SV (Social Value) Committee, Ha Beom-jong, President of LG, Lee Dong-woo, Vice Chairman of Lotte Holdings, Jeong Tak, President of POSCO, Kim Seung-mo, President of Hanwha, Woo Moo-hyun, President of GS Construction, Ga Sam-hyun, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, Kang Hee-seok, CEO of Shinsegae Emart, and Kang Ho-sung, CEO of CJ ENM. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang and Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin also participated.
Chairman Chey said, "The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and companies are discussing and working on selecting target countries for dedicated corporate strategies." He added, "For regions like Latin America and Africa, where support countries have not yet been decided, economic organizations such as KCCI plan to lead the dispatch of economic delegations." He continued, "We will hold large-scale international events and business forums centered in Paris, where the General Assembly will be held, and secure votes based on local offices and sales networks. Communication is crucial for the government and companies to become a 'one team,' and we will work closely with the government and participating companies to proceed swiftly."
President Yoon Suk-yeol also responded by stating that the government will consider dispatching a presidential special envoy if necessary. President Yoon said, "To secure the 2030 Busan Expo, we have established a government bid committee under the Prime Minister, including ministers from related departments, and created a dedicated secretariat in the Presidential Office." He added, "I ask the private bid support committee to actively engage in bid negotiations in cooperation with related ministries." He further stated, "We must promptly prepare plans for the government and negotiation delegation formation and dispatch, and if necessary, we will consider dispatching a presidential special envoy."
President Yoon emphasized, "The Busan Expo is a necessary project for the entire nation. It is a valuable opportunity for South Korea to lead global issues and share our experiences and strengths with the international community. Moreover, the southern region, including Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, will become a key hub leading economic development in Northeast Asia."
As of this date, the private committee includes 11 companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, SK, LG, Lotte, POSCO, Hanwha, GS, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, Shinsegae, and CJ, along with 72 chambers of commerce nationwide and overseas Korean business associations. These organizations will participate in domestic and international support activities. The Busan Expo is expected to generate an economic effect of 61 trillion won and is one of the 'world's top three international events.' The host city will be decided at the General Assembly in Paris in November next year. The 170 member countries of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) will select the host city by secret ballot. Competitors include Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and Rome, the capital of Italy. Odessa in Ukraine also applied, but it is widely considered difficult due to the war situation.
The 2020 Expo was awarded to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after the third round of voting, defeating Yekaterinburg, Russia, 116 to 47. The 2025 Expo was awarded to Osaka, Japan, after the second round of voting, defeating Yekaterinburg, Russia, 92 to 61.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
