Among all the publicity about the beneficial impact of the World Expo on Shanghai and China in general, what is perhaps being ignored is the knock-on effect on other nations. For example, South Korea expects to see increases in exports and tourism worth 7 trillion won (US$6.23 billion) over the next three years following its participation in the World Expo.
The Korean pavilion attracted a record 7.25 million visitors during the fair, exceeding the target of 6 million. And, according to a report by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, South Korea’s exports to China are expected to increase by 6.37 trillion won (US$6.1 billion) over the next three years, a 6.6% increase from 2009.
Yonhap News agency reports that the number of Chinese who will visit South Korea over the next three years is expected to grow by 450,000, benefiting the local industry by 631.9 billion won (US$565.8 million).