By Park Hyong-ki
Staff Reporter
Seven delegates, led by Carmen Sylvain of Canada, from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) wrapped up their week-long inspection of Yeosu’s bid for the 2012 World Expo Friday.
``The expo program was excellent in all regards, close to perfect,’’ said Sylvain in a press conference in Seoul, adding that the local, regional government and non-governmental organizations as well as the corporations have ``clearly indicated their strong support for the 2012 Expo.’’
She particularly expressed her satisfaction with the theme about the ocean, coast, climate change and the sustainability of marine and natural resources.
``The theme was very adaptive to Yeosu. This is of clear interest to the international community, and the site is nicely chosen, closely relating to the theme.’’
The team arrived Monday to embark on a four-day survey to evaluate Korea’s preparations for the expo.
The nation submitted its bidding application to the Paris-based governing body of world expos last year.
Other contenders are Morocco and Poland, which are vying to win the right to host the expo in respectively the southern port city of Tangier, a popular tourist destination, and the financial city of Wroclaw, also rich in history and culture.
General opinion seems in favor of giving Morocco the chance to host the first expo in the African-Islamic region, while Poland is strongly backed by the other members of the European Union.
Meanwhile, Korea is aiming to stand out with its theme of ``The Living Ocean and Coast.’’
After an on-site inspection in the coastal city for two days, the inspection team checked how much local citizens are united for the opening of the expo.
``The host city itself was overwhelming and very supportive of the expo. We have never seen this degree of support,’’ said Sylvain, who was astonished during her stay in Yeosu where thousands greeted her, cheering ``Yeosu! Expo!’’
On the last day, Korean officials briefed the seven BIE delegates about the nation’s financial plans for the 2012 World Expo.
According to the bidding committee, led by Chairman Kim Jae-chul, over $1 billion will be used for purchasing land, civil engineering and operating costs to develop the proposed expo site by the sea.
The total expenditure excludes social overhead capital investment, aimed at boosting logistics, transportation and infrastructure, which are ``clearly planned,’’ according to the inspectors.
They plan to submit their mission statement about Yeosu privately to the bureau in France in June after visiting Tangier and Wroclaw. The final decision on a successful candidate city will be made at the end of this year.