Sejong, May 16 - On May 13, the South Korean environment ministry and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Investment jointly hosted a seminar on green technology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The seminar was organized by the Saudi-South Korea Business Council, the Korea Environmental Industry Association, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). 

After South Korean environment minister Han Wha-jin's opening remarks and Saudi Vice Minister of Investment Fahad Alnaeem's congratulatory remarks, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Investment announced "Investment Projects in the Water Sector in Saudi Arabia." Following this, Saudi representatives such as the seawater desalination plant, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and the local renewable energy company ACWA Power Company introduced Saudi Arabia's policies and investment projects in their own fields. These presentations drew great interest from domestic companies.

During the seminar, Vice Minister Fahad Alnaeem showed keen interest in the eight technology presentations Korean companies gave. These presentations covered various topics, including AI incinerators and activated carbon regeneration technology. The Vice Minister asked questions of each company after their presentation.

The President of the Saudi-South Korea Business Council, Fahad Wallan, and several member companies in the green industry sector, including the Federation of Saudi Chambers and SIRC, recently met with Environment Minister Han Wha-jin. During the meeting, Mr. Wallan expressed the desire for Korean companies to establish long-term partnerships with Saudi Arabian companies that could last 30 to 40 years. He also requested the Korean Ministry of Environment to play a role as a bridge between companies from both nations.

On the same day, 14 domestic companies held one-on-one meetings with Saudi buyers. It resulted in remarkable outcomes, achieving 101 meetings and USD 321.73 million (approximately KRW 432.4 billion). 

On May 13, Minister Han Wha-jin encouraged the participating companies at the Korean Embassy in Saudi Arabia. The following day, the Minister engaged in discussions with Korean green companies about their strategies for entering the Saudi Arabian green industry and listened to their challenges and difficulties.

Minister Han Wha-jin said, "Korea's green technology is necessary for Saudi Arabia, which is a pioneer of green growth in the Middle East." She added, "The Ministry of Environment will ensure that the participation of Korean companies and cooperation between the two countries can catalyze the green transformation throughout the Middle East."

Contact: Kim Won-bin, Deputy Director

Green Transition Policy Bureau / +82-(0)44-201-7562

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr