KEF chairman highlights benefits Busan Expo would have for Korea and Japan

Sohn also emphasized that Korea and Japan should restore and further strengthen their ties amid rising geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties.

Koichi Aiboshi, left, Japanese ambassador to Korea, and Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, during a luncheon event held at the Westin Josun Hotel in central Seoul, Wednesday [KEF]

The 2030 Busan Expo will benefit both Korea and Japan, said the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) chairman, asking for the neighboring country’s support in the southeastern city’s bid to host the world fair.

“If Busan, which is situated near Japan, is selected to host the 2030 World Expo, it will bring both countries economic benefits through a tourism boost and more,” KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik said during a luncheon event attended by Japanese ambassador to Korea Koichi Aiboshi, at the Westin Josun Hotel in central Seoul.

Sohn also emphasized that Korea and Japan should restore and further strengthen their ties amid rising geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties.

Aiboshi said that “the number of Koreans who visited Japan in October increased by fourfold compared to September, and the number of Japanese who visited Korea that month also jumped three times since August.”

“We believe that the economic cooperation between the two countries will further grow, and expect the business ties in various sectors to result in an improvement in relations,” added the Japanese ambassador.

Korea supported Japan’s successful bid to host the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. Japan is yet to announce its official endorsement for the 2030 World Expo bid.

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh is pitted against Busan for the bid.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]