Busan might try again to host World Expo in 2035, city's mayor says

Industry

Published: 29 Nov. 2023, 09:56 Updated: 29 Nov. 2023, 10:23

Busan might try again to host World Expo in 2035, city's mayor says

From left, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Jang Sung-min, special envoy of the president and senior secretary for future strategy, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung at the Bureau International des Expositions general assembly in France on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

Busan might rerun to host World Expo 2035, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said after the city lost to Saudi's Riyadh on Tuesday in Paris to host the 2030 event.

"Busan has been acknowledged for its vast potential and possibility as well as competitiveness and capacity," Park said.

"Against such backdrop, we will logically review a re-do for the 2035 Expo after having substantial discussions with the government and Busan citizens."

Despite the loss, Park said Busan's challenge will continue.

The latest bidding involved unprecedented unified support from the business industry, where chiefs of the country's biggest conglomerates and business organizations made an all-out effort to secure even one more vote for Busan.

Korean business organizations emphasized that Busan's campaign for the World Expo 2030 served as an opportunity to show the country's potential.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which played a core role in the campaign, said Korea's unified effort "elevated Korea's competitiveness and expanded Korea's global network."

"There were countries that wanted partnerships with Korea that has a diverse portfolio ranging from materials, advanced technology and future energy solutions," the chamber said in a statement.

"In the process, [Korean] companies enhanced their global competitiveness, explored new markets, which wasn't possible during the Covid-19, diversified their supply chain and grabbed new business opportunities."

The Federation of Korean Industries also noted the "one team" spirit formed during the campaign to host the event.

"It was an opportunity for Korea's government as well as the business circle and the people to unite," it said in a statement.

"Networking with various countries during the bidding process will also act as a stepping stone for Korea's business to explore new markets."

The Korea Enterprises Federation also said the efforts to host the event achieved "global economic and cultural exchange."

Korea's Busan lost to Riyadh by a large margin Tuesday, obtaining 29 votes, while Riyadh won 119 votes.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]