Korea’s Largest Conglomerates Pledge Support For Busan’s Bid To Host 2030 World Expo

After formally submitting Korea’s official application to host the World Expo in the southern port city of Busan in 2030, Korea’s largest conglomerates have expressed their support to go all out and help to win the bid, according to the  Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

The government delegation, led by First Vice Industry Minister Jang Young Jin, submitted the candidature dossier to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental body overseeing the World Expos. The First Vice Minister also met with representatives of the other BIE member countries and the ambassadors of Mongolia and Rwanda to ask for their support for Busan’s bid.

Korea is bidding Busan as the World Expo venue against Saudi Arabia‘s Riyadh, Italy‘s Rome, and Ukraine‘s Odesa. Riyadh is seen as Busan’s chief rival at the moment.

With the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future,” Korea hopes to pave the way for discussions on making a better world through transformations in the face of universal challenges such as climate change, social disjointedness, and the side effects of technological advances. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy highlights Korea’s transition as a good benchmark for creating positive transformation.

Korea is a digital powerhouse leading global efforts to resolve climate change and the transition to a green economy and create human-based technologies. We can play a bridge role in the world as the only nation that has become an advanced nation from one of the world’s poorest one.

— Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy

Meanwhile, Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG, Lotte, and other conglomerates that pledged to support Busan’s bid to host the World Expo, have decided to use their buildings, stores, professional sport clubs, and social media to intensify promotional campaigns during Chuseok. POSCO, Hanwha, GS, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Shinsegae, and CJ groups will pursue similar efforts.

KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Woo Tae Hee thinks this concerted effort will be perfect to energize everyone’s support for the World Expo.

Beginning with the intensified promotion campaign during Chuseok, we will combine forces with all Korean companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to stimulate nationwide enthusiasm for the World Expo.

—KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Woo Tae Hee

Samsung Electronics Presidents Rhee In Yong and Park Hark Kyu also met with Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Korea to request the Southeast Asian country’s support for Busan’s bid. The company’s executives have recently traveled worldwide to encourage various countries’ leaders to vote for Busan.