Son Kyung-sik Meets with Japanese Ambassador to Korea... Requests Cooperation for Busan Expo

Invitation Meeting with Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi
Emphasizing Strengthening Cooperation Between Companies of Both Countries Through Dialogue

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, met with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea to request active support from the Japanese government for the bid to host the 2030 Busan World Expo. He also emphasized strengthening cooperation between companies of both countries to resolve current issues such as export regulations through dialogue between Korea and Japan and to maintain international competitiveness.

On the 30th, at a meeting hosted by Japanese Ambassador to Korea Aiboshi Koichi at the Westin Chosun Hotel, Chairman Sohn stated, "Global inflation and the spread of protectionism are accelerating risks in international supply chains, and geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and North Korea’s missile launches threaten peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. In this crisis, Korea and Japan must quickly restore their long-standing cooperative relationship to promote peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and unite efforts to find future growth engines."

He added, "Recently, exchanges among the governments, parliaments, and economic sectors of both countries have become active, and the Korea-Japan leaders have held two summit meetings. Reasonable solutions to historical issues are being sought through mutual dialogue, and I hope export regulations will be resolved soon so that a new era of Korea-Japan economic cooperation can begin," emphasizing the resolution of bilateral issues through dialogue.

He continued, "If Busan, which is close to Japan, is selected as the host city for the 2030 World Expo, it could bring positive economic effects to both countries, such as increased Korea-Japan linked tourism," requesting the Japanese government’s interest and support for the bid to host the 2030 Busan World Expo.

Ambassador Aiboshi Koichi stated, "The number of Koreans visiting Japan in October increased fourfold compared to September, and the number of Japanese visiting Korea has also tripled since August. Through broad human exchanges between the two countries, Korea-Japan economic cooperation is expected to become more active, and I hope that cooperative relationships in various business fields will lead to improvements in Korea-Japan relations."

Meanwhile, the Korea Employers Federation has been holding meetings inviting the Japanese Ambassador to Korea since 2020 to strengthen Korea-Japan economic cooperation and address difficulties faced by Korean companies. On the Korean side, Chairman Sohn, the KEF chairman group, and major companies attended, while on the Japanese side, Ambassador Aiboshi Koichi and Economic Counselor Namioka Daisuke participated.