Jang Sung-min, Presidential Office Planning Officer, "Busan Expo Gains Support from More Countries for Korea"

2030 Busan Expo "Increasing Number of Countries Shifting Support to Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Jang Sung-min, Future Strategy Planning Officer at the Presidential Office, said regarding the bid for the 2030 Busan Expo (World Expo), “There are increasingly many cases where countries supporting rival nations switch their support to us, and the pace is accelerating.”

On the day, Jang explained the current status of diplomatic activities for securing the Busan World Expo during a meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs correspondents at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

The bid for the Busan Expo is competing with Odesa, Ukraine; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Rome, Italy. Among these, Saudi Arabia, armed with massive 'oil money,' is considered a strong competitor.

He stated that over the past seven months, he has contacted high-level officials such as presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers from more than 90 countries, saying, “Considering that the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) has 170 member countries, this exceeds half.”

Jang emphasized that interest in South Korea’s renewable energy technologies is much higher than in 'oil money,' highlighting the demand for technological assistance. He said, “Countries rich in underground resources, like those in Africa and Latin America, want technology and investment to develop these resources and view the Republic of Korea as a model,” adding, “We are approaching countries that want technological aid and support by tailoring from agricultural technology to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” reporting on the status of the bid.

He further explained, “Since the entire world is already moving toward responding to climate change, Middle Eastern oil money is not a great temptation.”

He particularly stated, “A global event and ceremony are absolutely necessary to upgrade the Republic of Korea under the ‘Global Standard’ national goal set by President Yoon Suk-yeol this year, and an important turning point is needed to focus the nation’s energy and national power.”

He emphasized, “Rather than confining future generations and the framework of the Republic of Korea to the levels of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s, Korea must leap forward as a pivotal country competing globally and achieving a major transformation of human civilization.”

Meanwhile, regarding the future schedule for selecting the Expo host city, the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) inspection team is scheduled to visit Busan in April. The host country selection vote is planned for November.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.