Korea has recently joined an international bidding to host the regional office of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, government officials said Thursday.

The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs submitted an official application for an Asia Pacific office and started preparations for the ICAO’s potential inspection.

The Canada-based ICAO aims to set the principles and techniques of international air navigation and develop international air transport to secure safe and orderly growth.

The bidding opened as the council decided to relieve the growing workload of its existing Asia Pacific office in Bangkok, which covers all 35 nations in Asia, in order to increase overall efficiency.

Now four countries ― Korea, China, India and Singapore ― have been picked to continue in the selection process.

After carrying out separate inspections, the ICAO plans to announce the winner in November in Montreal, Canada, when its board members will hold a meeting.

Before the planned visit by ICAO director-general Raymond Benjamin in September, the Land Ministry will complete preparations such as site inspection, possibly at Incheon International Airport.

“A fierce competition is expected as China and India are expanding their presences in the international community while Singapore is equipped with strong infrastructure,” said a ministry official.

“In the meantime, Korea has strength in its advanced IT and Incheon Airport, which has been named the world’s best airport for the past seven consecutive years.”

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)