Businesses Back Yeosu to the Last
By Jane Han
Korea Times Correspondent
PARIS _ Contrary to popular belief, having a solid corporate backing is not just for financial kudos, say Yeosu bidding committee officials, as they explained that many businesses supporting the 2012 World Expo were willing to do more than dig into their wallets.
And Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo demonstrated this over the past 200 some days, with his hands-on approach to the job.
Starting April, Chung traveled to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Canada, Russia, totaling 10 countries, met with more than 150 high ranking government officials to make his pitch for Yeosu's bid to host the world's third largest event.
The workforce of the well-knitted global Hyundai-Kia network also put in efforts, as executives in 70 different countries were told to cover the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) representatives in their area.
For Chung, hosting the world fair carried a more personal meaning _ as his late father Chung Ju-young headed the bidding committee for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and his brother Chung Mong-joon was the key figure behind the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup _ the auto chief also wanted to contribute in bringing an international event to his home grounds.
Other key business figures behind the Yeosu van are SK Chairman Chey Tae-won and SK Energy President Shin Heon-cheol.
After donating 1.2 billion won toward bidding activities in February and August, SK Group put in another 500 million won for the Paris on-site efforts to carry out cultural activities for the BIE representatives.
Aside from the monetary support, the two took time away from their business trips to the Middle East, Peru and other South American countries to meet individually with BIE representatives.
Bidding Committee Chairman Kim Jae-chul, head of Dongwon Group, not only worked to his capacity as the committee leader, but also used his management and business background to build fast relationships with members of the international organization.
Recognizing the joint drive made by key business leaders, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said Tuesday, ``The 2012 Yeosu Expo will open the grounds for local enterprises to promote to the world the brand of Korea and expand global networks.''
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) agreed adding that the international event will provide an opportunity for the local economy to revive.
But the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said the expo was about more than economic revival, as it stressed, ``It will definitely better our country's image in the global community and work as a springboard for us to make a second leap.''
Although the government will fully back all costs for the Yeosu Expo, private enterprises are continuously expected to cooperate leading up to the three-month event starting in May 2012.