(MUAN=YONHAP NEWS) Reporter Hyeong Min-woo = The '2025 International Agricultural Expo' opened on the 23rd at the Jeonnam Agricultural Technology Institute in Naju City, South Jeolla Province, embarking on a 7-day journey.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong, Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok, National Assemblyman Ju Cheol-hyeon, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Chairman Kim Tae-gyun, diplomatic envoys from South Korea, and overseas buyers.
A pre-ceremony performance by artist Yeom Dong-gyun, featuring a VR (virtual reality) drawing performance expressing the value and future of agriculture, was held.
Following the opening speech, a ceremony with key guests and a humanoid robot and robot dog 'Spot' took place.
A scene depicting seeds sprouting into life with the water of life, transforming into light and earth, was staged, and a congratulatory performance by promotional ambassador Song Ga-in was presented.
On the same day, an export consultation meeting with invited overseas buyers resulted in an export agreement for 2,000 tons with four countries: the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Uzbekistan, to expand the global market presence of Jeonnam's representative brand rice 'Saecheonmu'.
Jeonnam Province plans to utilize the agreement to expand local sales through each country's distribution network and strengthen customized overseas marketing support.
The 2025 International Agricultural Expo, themed 'Agriculture Changes the World - Agricultural Innovation with AI, Cultivating Life K-Agriculture,' will host various events including academic symposiums and forums until the 29th.
Governor Kim Young-rok said, "Through innovation with AI and cultivating life K-agriculture, Jeonnam will lead the future of South Korean agriculture" and "We will make agriculture smarter, healthier, and grow together with the world."
minu21@yna.co.kr