City of Yeosu is a step closer to the 2012 World Expo hosting.

On June l9th, the Yeosu Hosting Committee made a presentation using 3D. flash, and other state-of-the-art IT technology at Palais des Congrès de Paris, France, accentuating the strengths of IT strong Korea and its capabilities to host the Expo.

In his support speech, Prime Minister Han Deok Su made comments on the specific plans of the Korean government funding million for the Yeosu Project following the Yeosu Proclamation.

To ease concerns on global warming, the Korean government is planning to allot million over 5 years, making a great impression on the representatives from the participating BIE member nations.

Also featured were a video presentation of beautiful scenery of Yeosu, "Preview of the Yeosu Expo" and a recital of the Korean traditional musical instrument, Gayageum, intensifying expectations of the member nations for the Yeosu World Expo.

While the Annual Meeting was being held, outdoor signs and billboards announcing the 2012 Yeosu Expo appeared all over Paris, heightening the mood for Yeosu's hosting of the Expo. Major local media expressed interest in the Yeosu Expo and its nautical theme in their news reporting.

Outside the Annual Meeting venue, the Hosting Committee prospected the representatives from other member nations for their support. In addition, in the Exhibition booth set up outside the Annual Meeting hall, there were robotic puppies and multimedia that attracted the participants’ attention. Visitors to the Exhibition booth, including the BIE representatives, responded with a favorable reaction when they were taken instant photos.

Yeosu has succeeded in having the viewers visualize the theme, the Living Ocean and Coast, by using the blue marine color in the Exhibition booth.

Upon successful completion of the 141st BIE Annual Meeting, Mr. Kim Jae Cheol of the Hosting Committee said, “We have received good results as we were well prepared. Above all, I am satisfied that Yeosu has earned greater recognition since the Annual Meeting.”

The BIE member nations are planning to use the results of their evaluations and presentations as the basis in making a recommendation for the hosting country.
The final determination of the city that will host the 2012 World Expo will be made by member nations ballots at the next BIE annual meeting.
At the Annual Meeting on June 18, it was decided that the 142nd BIE Annual Meeting will be held for two days on November 26 and 27.