“Caribbean Nations Expected to Cast Key Votes for Busan Expo”
KITA Delegation Member Kang Cheol-ho Speaks on the Caribbean Mission
“Although the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has officially declared its support for Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2030 World Expo, we sensed that some member nations may choose differently. If Korea continues to send public-private economic delegations, we can secure a definite advantage.”
On March 1, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Caribbean Economic Mission met with Foreign Minister Keisal Melissa Peters of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (front row, fourth from left) to request cooperation for Busan’s Expo bid.
Kang Cheol-ho, CEO of Daehun Co., Ltd., expressed strong confidence in an interview on March 12. He had joined the mission led by KITA Chairman Koo Ja-yeol, which departed on February 25. According to Kang, Caribbean nations showed deep interest in Busan’s growth story and Korea’s development experience, requesting active cooperation in many sectors.
CARICOM, founded in 1973 to foster regional economic growth and build a Caribbean market, has 15 member states.
Though small in size, each has one equal vote in choosing the Expo host city—making their support highly valuable.
Recently, however, sentiment has begun to shift.
Following the Busan Port Authority’s invitation of Caribbean delegates late last year and the Korean government’s participation in the CARICOM Summit last month, five Busan companies—Daehun, Dongkwang Trading Corporation, Ocean Entec Co., Ltd., Dongseo P&L Co., Ltd., and KODUCT Co., Ltd.—joined KITA in another mission to the Caribbean.
Each company personally covered about 20 million won in airfare and endured a 29-hour one-way flight to reach the islands—showing their dedication to the cause.
Observers say these persistent efforts by government and local firms are gradually changing minds in the Caribbean’s small island nations.
The mission visited Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
They met Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Foreign Minister Joseph Andall on February 27; Saint Vincent’s Foreign Minister Keisal Melissa Peters on March 1; and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Minister for Commerce Emma Hippolyte on March 3.
Topics included Official Development Assistance (ODA), agriculture, education, and digital transformation programs.
Kang said:
“When we shared Korea’s know-how as a top-ten global economy, the Caribbean nations expressed strong interest in broader exchange.
In Saint Lucia, the prime minister—who had repeatedly declined prior requests—changed his mind after hearing from the Commerce Minister about our explanation of the ‘Busan Initiative’ and asked to meet us himself.
Even countries that currently back Saudi Arabia can become allies if we continue consistent persuasion.
This delegation clearly confirmed that possibility.”
© The Kookje Newspaper (www.kookje.co.kr)
“Caribbean Nations Expected to Cast Key Votes for Busan Expo”
KITA Delegation Member Kang Cheol-ho Speaks on the Caribbean Mission
“Although the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has officially declared its support for Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2030 World Expo, we sensed that some member nations may choose differently. If Korea continues to send public-private economic delegations, we can secure a definite advantage.”
On March 1, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Caribbean Economic Mission met with Foreign Minister Keisal Melissa Peters of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (front row, fourth from left) to request cooperation for Busan’s Expo bid.
Kang Cheol-ho, CEO of Daehun Co., Ltd., expressed strong confidence in an interview on March 12. He had joined the mission led by KITA Chairman Koo Ja-yeol, which departed on February 25. According to Kang, Caribbean nations showed deep interest in Busan’s growth story and Korea’s development experience, requesting active cooperation in many sectors.
CARICOM, founded in 1973 to foster regional economic growth and build a Caribbean market, has 15 member states.
Though small in size, each has one equal vote in choosing the Expo host city—making their support highly valuable.
Recently, however, sentiment has begun to shift.
Following the Busan Port Authority’s invitation of Caribbean delegates late last year and the Korean government’s participation in the CARICOM Summit last month, five Busan companies—Daehun, Dongkwang Trading Corporation, Ocean Entec Co., Ltd., Dongseo P&L Co., Ltd., and KODUCT Co., Ltd.—joined KITA in another mission to the Caribbean.
Each company personally covered about 20 million won in airfare and endured a 29-hour one-way flight to reach the islands—showing their dedication to the cause.
Observers say these persistent efforts by government and local firms are gradually changing minds in the Caribbean’s small island nations.
The mission visited Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
They met Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Foreign Minister Joseph Andall on February 27; Saint Vincent’s Foreign Minister Keisal Melissa Peters on March 1; and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Minister for Commerce Emma Hippolyte on March 3.
Topics included Official Development Assistance (ODA), agriculture, education, and digital transformation programs.
Kang said:
“When we shared Korea’s know-how as a top-ten global economy, the Caribbean nations expressed strong interest in broader exchange.
In Saint Lucia, the prime minister—who had repeatedly declined prior requests—changed his mind after hearing from the Commerce Minister about our explanation of the ‘Busan Initiative’ and asked to meet us himself.
Even countries that currently back Saudi Arabia can become allies if we continue consistent persuasion.
This delegation clearly confirmed that possibility.”
© The Kookje Newspaper (www.kookje.co.kr)