Optimism prevails in Busan as Expo inspection ends

A Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation leaves Korea amid a send-off by a children's choir at Gimhae International Airport, Busan, Friday, ending their four-day inspection of Busan, which is bidding to host World Expo 2030. Joint Press Corps

Public's warm welcome, bipartisan support among highlights of BIE delegation's trip

By Jung Min-ho

BUSAN ― A surge of positivity is apparently running through the minds of campaign officials for Busan's World Expo 2030 bid after a successful inspection by representatives of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organizing body of the global exhibition.

Speaking to reporters after the BIE delegation's press conference on Thursday, high-ranking government officials participating in the campaign said they were now more optimistic about the Korean city's chances of being selected.

"It's quite obvious that they were deeply impressed by enthusiasm demonstrated by the citizens of Busan, which they mentioned repeatedly during the media conference," an official said. "Given that a World Expo is a lengthy event that lasts for six months, such a warm reception matters, both for visitors from member states and the BIE itself."

BIE's Administration and Budget Committee President Patrick Specht and Secretary-General Dimitri Kerkentzes would not comment on Busan's merits in comparison with Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, its rival bidder, but they said the level of the Busan public's enthusiasm was exceptional.

A delegate from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) gives a high five to a citizen at the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Thursday. Yonhap

"I was told, even before the media conference, they were surprised by the sheer number of journalists packing the room, which the delegates probably couldn't see in other countries," another official said. "Our presentations went smoothly. They saw what they needed to see. There were no big mistakes during the whole process. We are satisfied with what we did."

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One of the highlights of the delegation's trip came on April 4, when the National Assembly passed a bipartisan resolution to support Busan's Expo project. Officials say, by doing so, the country removed any political risks for the proposed hosting of the event. This is important because, in the eyes of the BIE, Saudi Arabia's autocracy could be perceived as an advantage when it comes to speedy administrative decisions by the Expo host, compared to Korea's boisterous political environment.

President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with the Bureau International des Expositions' (BIE) Administration and Budget Committee President Patrick Specht at a dinner event held for the BIE delegation in Busan, Thursday. Courtesy of presidential office

At their last dinner in Busan, President Yoon Suk Yeol surprised the delegates by showing up without prior notice, and assured them that Busan's Expo efforts will be backed by full government support. It was their second meeting after the first one on April 3.

Busan may have left a good impression on the delegation. Yet the bidding process is still far from over. Openly supported by a handful of countries, including China, Belarus and Cuba, the capital of Saudi Arabia is regarded as a more competitive bidder than Ukraine's Odesa, Italy's Rome and Busan.

The next thing Busan's campaign officials are focusing on is their fourth official presentation in Paris in June. They believe it will be the last opportunity to win over undecided member states.

"Given that most, if not all, member states are expected to make up their minds by the final presentation, which is scheduled to be held just before voting at the BIE General Assembly in November, the June presentation will be our last chance to make our case in front of 171 member states' representatives there," an official said.

The officials will also step up their efforts to build relations with developing nations in Africa and Central and South America through initiatives by the city, through which Korea and Busan plan to offer long-term support for those seeking to emulate Korea and Busan's economic success. The program has attracted extensive interest, with specific plans for some projects already under discussion.

The BIE will send its delegation to Rome later this month after completing inspections in the other three candidate cities.

The results of their inspections will be compiled in official reports, which BIE member states will review when deciding which city to support. The status of respective bilateral relations also stand to affect member states' decisions.

If there are more than two candidates, then a country must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected in the first round. If no proposal receives a two-thirds majority in the first round, the proposal that receives the least votes is eliminated. This procedure carries on until only two candidates are left. The host country will then be decided by a simple majority.

A plane carrying the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) inspection team departs Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Friday. The special plane for the BIE mission was decorated with a theme promoting Busan's bid to host World Expo 2030. Joint Press Corps