The Korean ambassador to Ghana, Jung-Taek Lim has asked Ghana to support his country’s bid to host the World Expo 2030.
The Expo which is expected to be hosted in Busan, the second largest in Korea, he said, would be held under the theme “transforming our world, navigating toward a better future.”
Mr Lim said the expo would showcase “our vision to the global society which is going through unprecedented changes driven by rapid growth of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and scientific technology, climate change as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Korean Ambassador to Ghana said this in Accra on Monday at the commemoration of the 4354thanniversary of the National Foundation Day of Korea.
October 3 each year, Koreans mark the founding of the first Korean kingdom by the legendary forefather Dangun.
The day also marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Ghana.
According to Mr Lim, the city of Busan captures the history of major transformation from the town of Korean War refugees to the vibrant hub of commerce and culture.
“Now standing out as the world’s second largest trans-shipment port and the home to creative inspirations of musicians and film makers, Busan is striving to move forward to the future of an eco-friendly smart city,” he said,
He said the host city of the world Expo 2030 was scheduled to be announced through a vote during the 173rd General Assembly Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in November 2023.
Touching on Korea-Ghana relationship, Mr Lim said both countries since1977 had enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations in the area of politics, economics, culture and sports and in development cooperation.
“Currently, Ghana is one of Korea’s important trade partners that serves as a gateway to the regional and sub-regional markets. Korea stands ready to seize the opportunity to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he said.
The Minster for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr KwakuAfriyie said the diplomatic ties between Ghana and Korea had been further deepened with high level visit from both sides since 2006.
He said both countries on international level had cooperated on issues at the United Nations and other international fora where South Korea had partnered with Ghana, the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss global issues especially challenges of the 21st century.
“Over the years, our bilateral relations have positively impacted on investments in Ghana. Korean companies such as Samsung electronics, LG, Hyundai, Kia motors and Afko fisheries have contributed immensely to the Ghanaian economy through employment for Ghanaians and strengthening of the private sector,” he stated.
Dr Afriyie said Ghana’s peace and stability as well as the enabling investment climate continued to attract investors and due to that, two prominent Korean car manufacturers Hyundaicooperation and Kia motors were set to establish assembly plants in Ghana in line with AfCFTA.
He said there was more room for both countries to collaborate and partner in many other ventures to ensure the continued socio-economic development of Ghana and Korea.
BY JEMIMA ESINAM KUATSINU
