Busan Highlights Ambitions as Global Hub at World Cities Summit

Busan, June 5, 2024 – In a move to position itself as a global hub, the city of Busan actively participated in the 9th World Cities Summit (WCS) held in Singapore from June 2 to June 4, 2024. Deputy Mayor Lee Jun-seung led the delegation, joining over 70 city mayors, policymakers, and senior officials from around the world.

The World Cities Summit, inaugurated in 2008, is a biennial event designed to foster dialogue and share solutions among cities worldwide. This year, the summit took place at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore, featuring various discussions and forums aimed at addressing urban challenges.

On the first day of the summit, Deputy Mayor Lee engaged with other city leaders at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum (WCSMF). This provided an opportunity for direct exchange and networking among the attending high-level officials.

A highlight of Busan’s involvement was its participation in the Port Special Session on June 3, where Deputy Mayor Lee presented on "Sustainable Port Development and Busan’s Emergence as a Global Hub City." He detailed Busan’s strategic efforts in port development, emphasizing the transformation of Busan Port into a central node on the Eurasian trade route and its evolution into a smart, globally connected hub.

The session featured a keynote address by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport, Singapore. It also included presentations and discussions with key figures like Vincent Karremans, Deputy Mayor of Rotterdam, showcasing various cities' initiatives in sustainable port development.

On the final day, Deputy Mayor Lee met with the Director of KOTRA Singapore Trade Center to discuss the performance and support of Busan-based businesses in Singapore. He praised the successful entry and growth of companies like Compose Coffee, which stands as a testament to the robust support from the trade office.

Lee's visit included an on-site meeting with Compose Coffee employees, underscoring the city's commitment to backing local businesses abroad.

Reflecting on the summit, Deputy Mayor Lee stated, “The World Cities Summit was a meaningful platform to showcase Busan’s readiness and efforts to become a global hub city, comparable to Singapore. It reaffirmed our city’s potential and capabilities to rise as a significant global player.”

Busan’s active participation in the World Cities Summit underscores its ambitious vision and strategic initiatives to position itself as a global hub city. By sharing its development stories and networking with international leaders, Busan continues to pave the way for sustainable growth and global connectivity.