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| A large banner promoting Korea's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan is put up on the exterior of a Samsung Electronics center in Busan, Tuesday. Yonhap |
By Lee Kyung-min
Samsung, Hyundai Motor and LG are accelerating their campaigns to promote Korea's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan, according to market watchers, Tuesday.
The internationally recognized leading Korean conglomerates said large banners and digital signs will be installed on the exteriors of buildings in commercial districts and crowded areas for maximum exposure.
Collective efforts will shore up nationwide support for the Expo bid campaign, presented in a unified voice to help charm an eight-member delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), an intergovernmental organization in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos. The Enquiry Mission led by BIE Administration and Budget Committee President Patrick Specht is visiting this week to assess the viability and feasibility of Korea as a host for the high-profile international event.
They met with Korea's top policymakers, lawmakers, business leaders and citizens in Seoul, Monday. The delegation arrived in Busan, Tuesday, to assess the level of preparation and enthusiasm. They will return to France on Friday.
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| Large banners promoting Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 are displayed on electronic boards in the waiting area of Seoul Station, Tuesday. Yonhap |
Promotion
Samsung Electronics said large banners promoting the Expo bid will be displayed at seven Samsung stores in Busan until next Monday. Shinsegae Department Store's downtown Seoul location, a Samsung center in Yongsan District and Incheon International Airport will also host similar displays.
LG has put up digital signs at Incheon International Airport, Seoul Station and Busan Station. Large displays have also been set up at Gimhae International Airport.
LG affiliates will run promotional events at their stores and hotels, including offering discounts on select popular items.
LG Uplus, the telecommunication service affiliate of LG Group, gave 1,200 free eco-bags to customers at 11 branches in Busan, Tuesday. The firm said the promotion campaigns will continue to draw public support to fortify the bid to host the 2030 event.
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| Hyundai Motor's high-end G80 electric model. Korea Times file |
Hyundai Motor is providing eight high-end G80 electric models and four express buses for the mission this week.
The cutting-edge electric vehicles will help the delegation understand Korea's commitment to carbon neutrality, as increasingly prioritized by the global community.
The eco-friendly vehicles, Hyundai said, are not limited to transportation, but will rather become a mechanism for the redefinition of green and sustainable technology in the era of carbon neutrality.
The Korean automotive leader said efforts to best accommodate the needs of the delegates will illustrate how Korea is ready, willing and able to host the 2030 event.
On Wednesday, the mission will take a guided tour of Busan's North Port, the proposed Expo venue.
The eight members will attend a luncheon with civic group members, before meeting with Oceans and Fisheries Minister Cho Seung-hwan later in the day. The delegation will then attend a "K-Culture Night" event at Busan Cinema Center in the evening.
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