Busan citizens’ enthusiasm resonates with Bureau International des Expositions

"With the latest visit, we have made an impression on the BIE delegation not merely with the number of people supporting the bid, but with how passionate they were," said Park.

The Citizens Committee for Bid 2030 World Expo Busan held a press conference on Friday at Westin Josun Busan in Haeundae District. [YONHAP]

BUSAN – The authenticity of Busan citizens’ enthusiasm seems to be what actually resonated with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation, says head of a civic group.

“One of the topics brought up during our luncheon with the BIE delegation was if non-governmental organizations are on board with the bid,” said Park Jae-yul, who is leading a Busan-based civic group dedicated to promoting balanced regional development, Friday.

"With the latest visit, we have made an impression on the BIE delegation not merely with the number of people supporting the bid, but with how passionate they were," said Park.

Park is also an executive member of the Citizens Committee for Bid 2030 World Expo Busan.

Park’s comment was made during a press conference held by the Citizens Committee, a non-profit private entity committed to civic group-focused promotional activities for Busan’s bid to host the World Expo 2030, at The Westin Josun Busan Hotel in Haeundae District.

On Wednesday, the Citizens Committee hosted a luncheon with the BIE delegation, after the delegation members visited the North Port, a proposed venue for the World Expo.

Genuine enthusiasm was apparent on Busan citizens’ faces when they greeted the BIE enquiry mission, said Park, citing Patrick Specht, president of the BIE's Administration and Budget Committee.

On Tuesday when the BIE enquiry mission arrived in Busan from Seoul, some 5,500 people gathered to cheer the delegation on at Busan Station.

Moreover, Park stressed that the World Expo will contribute to the balanced regional growth of Korea by setting another economic pillar in the southern part of the country.

“The southeastern part of the country’s economy is centered on manufacturing such as shipbuilding, petrochemicals and steelmaking,” said Park.

“Hosting the World Expo will kick-start energy transformation toward carbon neutrality and digital transition in the region.”

Park Eun-ha, who chairs the Citizens Committee, underlined Busan’s plan to contribute to humanity in its bidding proposal.

“In the presentation delivered by Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, the most important message was not about what Korea is going to gain from hosting the World Expo, but what Korea can provide for the global community through the World Expo,” said Park.

The Citizens Committee chief also said that what is more important than possible economic benefit that would come from hosting the World Expo is Korea’s improved standing in the international community, as well as an expected breakthrough for the country’s slowing economic growth.

According to Park, the committee began operation in 2014 with a petition campaign, a testament to the fact that Busan’s bid for hosting the World Expo is driven by average citizens’ passion.

The BIE delegation wrapped up its six-day visit to Seoul and Busan on Friday morning and headed to Incheon International Airport, after attending a fireworks festival organized by the Citizens Committee on the previous day.

Specht, who led the BIE delegation, said on Thursday during a press conference that “Busan has everything that it takes to hold the World Expo.”

Busan is competing with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Ukraine’s Odesa and Italy’s Rome in the bidding race. The fourth competition presentation is slated for June during a general assembly in Paris.

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