Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Nov. 14 at Maison de Busan in Paris talks to participants at a breakfast seminar for representatives from member countries of the Paris-based International Bureau of Expositions hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (Prime Minister's Office)

By Yoo Yeon-gyeong

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo from Nov. 12-15 in Paris asked 61 representatives from 50 countries to support Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

The Prime Minister's Office on Nov. 15 said his campaign targeted member countries of the Paris-based International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) two weeks ahead of the final announcement of the host city slated for Nov. 28.

On the night of Nov. 12 right after arriving in France, the prime minister chaired a joint public-private meeting on negotiating strategy for all-out efforts to promote the bid.

"The Expo should serve as a place for inter-country solidarity unlike the World Cup or Olympics, where competitors vie for medals," he told each BIE member country in talks. "Through the Busan Expo, Korea will reciprocate the support it has received from the international community since the Korean War and practice the value of true solidarity."

"The Korean government aims to transform the Busan Expo into a platform to resolve common human challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and inequality," he added in requesting their support.

Before his departure on Nov. 14, Prime Minister Han attended a breakfast seminar for representatives from BIE member countries hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In an opening speech, he explained the Korean government's policy and efforts to take on global challenges such as climate change, saying, "We look forward to the Busan Expo becoming a venue to discuss resolving these issues."

The Prime Minister's Office on the same day added, "We contacted around 30 BIE representatives regardless of position and engaged in activities to attract the Busan Expo."

dusrud21@korea.kr