BIE visit ends on a positive note with praise and enthusiasm

“Busan has everything that it takes to hold the World Expo,” said Patrick Specht, who led the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation on its six-day on-site inspection to evaluate Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, Thursday.

A test firework display goes off over Gwangalli Beach on Thursday ahead of a 30-minute show to mark the end of the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) visit to Busan. The BIE was visiting to assess the port city’s bid to host World Expo 2030. [YONHAP]

BUSAN - The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation ended its visit to Korea on a positive note, saying that the country has what it takes to bring the World Expo to its southeastern city of Busan.

“Busan has everything that it takes to hold the World Expo,” said Patrick Specht, who led the BIE delegation on its six-day on-site inspection to evaluate Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, Thursday.

The comment was made during a press conference held Thursday at Signiel Busan hotel on the fifth day of the BIE mission’s stay in Korea.

Specht, president of the BIE's Administration and Budget Committee, said that “it was a tremendous experience,” referring to the welcome the delegation received in Busan.

From left: Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE); Patrick Specht, president of the BIE's Administration and Budget Committee; Yoon Sang-jik, Yoon Sang-jik, secretary-general of the Busan Expo bidding committee; and Park Heong-joon, Busan Mayor, during a press conference held at Signiel Busan hotel on Thursday [YONHAP]

Upon the arrival of the BIE delegation Tuesday, about 5,500 people gathered in front of Busan Station to greet the team.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the BIE, said that “the heartfelt warmth” of the Busan citizens was what stood out during their stay.

“One thing I’ve noticed about Busan was its incredible warmth,” Kerkentzes said, noting that he had never seen such enthusiasm elsewhere.

"The citizens of Korea are the biggest selling point,” added the secretary-general.

On questions regarding Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, which is the strongest contender against Busan in the bidding race, the delegation members did not offer their thoughts on the matter.

“We do not compare the project,“ Specht said, adding that “each project is evaluated based on its own merits."

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said that “the BIE delegation’s visit itself became a festival for unification.”

“I believe that the BIE delegation could feel the enthusiasm and energy,” Park said.

The BIE delegation will head to Incheon on Friday.

During the visit, the inspection team was given four presentations on the bidding proposal focusing on political unity, the expo theme, the site and people and money.

The BIE mission is tasked with assessing the feasibility and viability of each expo bid and will look into motivations, the attractiveness of the proposed theme, the proposed site and its reusability after the expo, levels of local and national support, expected participation and financial feasibility.

The delegation will reports its findings to the BIE's executive committee next month.

The final decision will be reached by the BIE during its 173rd general assembly in November through a secret ballot.

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