The Ministry of Environment (headed by Minister Han Wha-jin) announced that on August 27, Minister Han Wha-jin of Korea and Oman Minister of Energy and Minerals,Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation between the two countries in achieving carbon neutrality and inpromoting green industries. The signing ceremony took place in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

The ministers discussed the steps to be taken for collaborative green transition efforts, including the establishment of green hydrogen infrastructure (such as hydrogen refueling stations), the expansion of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles (such as trucks), and planned waste-to-energy initiatives in Oman. They discussed concrete cooperative projects and ways that Korean companies can participate in these green transition initiatives. This agreement is expected to strengthen the cooperation between the two governments in green transition efforts, thereby providing significant support for the Korean green industry to enter the Oman market.

After the signing of the agreement, Minister Han Wha-jin attended a luncheon hosted by Minister Al Aufi, where Minister Han explained the excellent capabilities of Korean green technologies to key figures, including △ Mazin bin Rashid Al Lamki, CEO of Oman Energy Development Company (EDO), △ Najla Zuhair Al Jamali, CEO of Oman Alternative Energy OQ, and △ Abdulaziz Al Shihani, CEO of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom). Notably, she requested timely support for public infrastructure and expedited permits from CEO AlShihani of Hydrom, so that the green hydrogen production project in Oman’s Duqm region can progress smoothly. Korean companies are currently actively participating in this project.

During that same afternoon, Minister Han Wha-jin met with Minister Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi, from Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources,to discuss the role of the agriculture and water resources sector in achieving carbon neutrality. They agreed to collaborate on projects, such as small-scale solar-powered desalination facilities and artificial coral reef carbon reduction initiatives.

While in the presence of both countries’ ministers, the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency have signed a letter of intent for the pursuit of collaborative projects.

Following Minister Han Wha-jin’s recent visit to the Middle East, video conferences were conducted, with representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries in attendance. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Korean green industry stakeholders were also invited to attend. During these conferences, Korea has shared its vision for green transformation. Requests for collaborative meetings have also come from Egypt and Kuwait, further indicating the expanding scope of Korea’s green transformation cooperation efforts in the Middle East region.The Ministry of Environment is making comprehensive efforts to achieve its goal of generating 20 trillion KRW this year in contracts and exports, making 100 trillion KRW in total during the current administration. As of the end of August this year, they have achieved approximately 14 trillion KRW in contracts and exports.

Minister Han Wha-jin of the Ministry of Environment stated, “Through continuous collaboration and support, we will work our hardest to bring the wind of green transition to theMiddle East and create an era where Korean green industry expands into the Middle East.”

Contact: Keum Byoung-uk, Deputy Director

Green International Project TF / +82-(0)44-201-7563