Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the host of the 2030 World Expo. To ensure that the efforts made by President Yoon Suk-yeol and the public-private sector to attract the Busan Expo do not go in vain, a new strategy is needed. This involves participating in Saudi Arabia's national transformation project. It is also urgent to understand the international geopolitical groundwork they have laid to engage in the large-scale projects initiated by Saudi Arabia.
While we focused on attracting the Expo, competing countries have already concentrated on securing their share in Saudi Arabia. A prime example is France. Ahead of the Expo host city decision, French President Emmanuel Macron openly sided with Saudi Arabia. President Macron did not hesitate to express support for Saudi Arabia early on. In June, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Paris, and the two appeared to make a pact to support Saudi Arabia's Expo bid. Even though neighboring Italy, also part of the European Union (EU), put forward Rome as a candidate, Macron remained unmoved and went all-in on Saudi Arabia.
A tourism industry insider hinted that French companies are heavily involved in the Saudi Expo project. The hotel carved into the cliffs in Al-Ula, a key area in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' plan, was designed by the world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. The vision of rooms overlooking the bizarre rock formations within the desert cliffs and a luxurious banquet hall is becoming a reality through French technology.
France is a major tourism power. From Saudi Arabia's perspective, France's experience is essential to develop tourism as a next-generation key industry, making it a mutually beneficial deal for both sides to pioneer a new market.
There is also an assessment that Crown Prince bin Salman allied with France to counterbalance the United States. Before the Expo, Saudi Arabia placed large aircraft orders with the French aircraft manufacturer Airbus and formalized the procurement of weapons such as helicopters. At this point, Saudi Arabia is effectively declaring that it has an alternative to the United States. President Macron stands to lose nothing. Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia will enhance his international standing and bring significant economic benefits.
China is also seeking economic and political gains through Saudi Arabia. China declared early support for Saudi Arabia's Expo bid. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia late last year, attending the 1st China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) conference, focusing on strengthening relations with Crown Prince bin Salman. Reports indicate that various Chinese companies have already succeeded in securing contracts related to the construction of 'Neom City,' a project promoted by Saudi Arabia.
President Yoon Suk-yeol's congratulatory message to Crown Prince bin Salman on winning the Expo bid and his hope for Korean companies' contributions was an appropriate move. Now is the time to forget the competition with Saudi Arabia for hosting and focus on practical benefits. It should not be seen merely as a Middle Eastern construction boom. Support is needed for Saudi Arabia's ambitions in world-class energy, architecture, information technology, culture, and tourism. The Saudi Expo represents a new challenge for the Korean economy.
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