With just one more day to go before the starting whistle is blown to kick off the first FIFA World Cup soccer finals of the 21st century, VIPs have been arriving in droves as South Korea plays co-host to the world's largest sporting event. President Kim Dae-jung has made it known he intends to make the most out of the occasion by emphasizing the pluses in investing in the country.

On Thursday afternoon, President Kim sat down with leaders of top multi-national firms with the aim of encouraging them to set up their Asian headquarters in this country. The chief executive's agenda also contains a gathering with a dozen government heads including Japanese Premier Junichiro Koizumi and East Timor's first President Xanana Gusmao, and foreign royal family members.

Earlier the honorary chairman of the Japanese Football Association, Prince Takamato Nomiya arrived in the country, Wednesday, to join in the opening celebrations of the international sporting tournament. The trip marks the first official visit by a member of the Japanese royal family to Korea. President Kim met with the prince, Thursday morning to exchange views on ways to enhance and strengthen ties between Seoul and Tokyo.

(Arirang TV)