Busan city said on the 7th that it was unanimously confirmed as the host city for the 2027 general assembly at the 1st general assembly of the World Association of Cities and Ports (AIVP) 2026. Busan was selected over rival cities including Seville in Spain, Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire, Reunion, and Oslo in Norway.
Busan city secured the hosting of this general assembly for the first time in Korea. Also, for the first time in 25 years since it was held in Dalian, China, in 2002, the general assembly will take place in Asia.
Founded in 1988, AIVP is an international association with 197 members from 44 countries, including local governments, port operators, and experts. It aims to promote international exchange and cooperation among port cities. Last year's general assembly was held in New York, and this year's is scheduled for Nov. in Dunkirk, France.
Since joining the AIVP board in Nov. last year, Busan city has formed and operated a bid preparation team with the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO), and has prepared to host the general assembly in close cooperation with related agencies such as the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Busan Port Authority (BPA), and Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries.
A Busan city official said the factors behind the successful bid were "the result of a successful bid presentation at the AIVP board meeting held in Antwerp, Belgium, on May 20 and active advance negotiations with the executive board and board member organizations."
Busan city plans to use the general assembly to widely promote the status of Busan as the world's No. 2 transshipment port and a top-10 global maritime city. It also plans to introduce Busan's core maritime vision to the world, including its eco-friendly smart port strategy, the redevelopment of the North Port, one of the world's largest projects, and the establishment of a global logistics platform.
Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said, "The successful bid will lay the groundwork for the maritime capital Busan to leap beyond the Republic of Korea and become a global maritime capital," adding, "As this is an international conference led by Busan city, we will bring together the capabilities of the government and related organizations to prepare thoroughly so it can be the best general assembly ever."