ID :
29108
Sat, 11/08/2008 - 15:16
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/29108
The shortlink copeid
Daegu to host 2013 World Energy Congress
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 7 (Yohap) -- The South Korean city of Daegu was selected Friday to host the 2013 World Energy Congress, beating rival candidates Copenhagen and South Africa's Durban.
Organized by the World Energy Council (WEC) every three years, the international
conference is attended by more than 5,000 people from 94 member countries and has
been dubbed the "Olympics in the field of energy."
The WEC chose Daegu, an industrial city located about 300km southeast of Seoul,
as the host for the event at its executive assembly in Mexico City. It did not
provide voting details, as earlier planned, but South Korean delegates estimated
that Daegu won nearly 40 of the total 60 votes.
The delegates said the WEC recognized South Korea's experience in rapid economic
growth despite a lack of natural resources, and saw the country's potential to
serve as a window for energy cooperation with other Asian nations.
"(The WEC's decision) is very meaningful in that energy security, climate change,
and other core energy issues will be discussed by the world's top experts at the
congress, which is in line with the South Korean government's policy for 'green
growth,'" said Vice Minister of Knowledge Economy Lee Jae-hoon.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, a former CEO of the Hyundai conglomerate's
construction branch, has stepped up efforts to secure a stable supply of energy
and pursue environmentally friendly economic development.
According to a survey by a Daegu-based think tank, the hosting of the congress
will draw more than 500 billion won (US$380 million) into the local economy.
Daegu's campaign to emerge as an international city is also expected to receive a
boost following its successful bid to host the 2011 World Athletics
Championships.
Established in 1923, the London-based WEC is a U.N.-accredited, non-governmental
body that covers all types of energy, including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear,
hydro and renewable energy.
South Korea joined the organization in 1969. The 2010 congress will be held in
Montreal, Canada.
Organized by the World Energy Council (WEC) every three years, the international
conference is attended by more than 5,000 people from 94 member countries and has
been dubbed the "Olympics in the field of energy."
The WEC chose Daegu, an industrial city located about 300km southeast of Seoul,
as the host for the event at its executive assembly in Mexico City. It did not
provide voting details, as earlier planned, but South Korean delegates estimated
that Daegu won nearly 40 of the total 60 votes.
The delegates said the WEC recognized South Korea's experience in rapid economic
growth despite a lack of natural resources, and saw the country's potential to
serve as a window for energy cooperation with other Asian nations.
"(The WEC's decision) is very meaningful in that energy security, climate change,
and other core energy issues will be discussed by the world's top experts at the
congress, which is in line with the South Korean government's policy for 'green
growth,'" said Vice Minister of Knowledge Economy Lee Jae-hoon.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, a former CEO of the Hyundai conglomerate's
construction branch, has stepped up efforts to secure a stable supply of energy
and pursue environmentally friendly economic development.
According to a survey by a Daegu-based think tank, the hosting of the congress
will draw more than 500 billion won (US$380 million) into the local economy.
Daegu's campaign to emerge as an international city is also expected to receive a
boost following its successful bid to host the 2011 World Athletics
Championships.
Established in 1923, the London-based WEC is a U.N.-accredited, non-governmental
body that covers all types of energy, including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear,
hydro and renewable energy.
South Korea joined the organization in 1969. The 2010 congress will be held in
Montreal, Canada.
