Sejong, July 12 - On July 8, the Ministry of Environment (ME, Minister Han Wha-jin) had a meeting with representatives of member companies of the Korea Business Council for Sustainable Development (KBCSD, Chairman Lee Kyong-ho) at Intercontinental Seoul COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. During the meeting, attendees discussed the challenges faced by the companies in complying with environmental regulations and systems, while they agreed on the need to achieve carbon neutrality. The attendees suggested the kind of support they need and system improvement to achieve carbon neutrality.

"Under the national goal of an audacious future built with autonomy and creativity, the Ministry of Environment will do our best in fulfilling the new government's promise of creating a sustainable future by achieving carbon neutrality," said Minister Han at the meeting. She also added, "Being the most reliable partner of the Korean industries, the Ministry of Environment will expand its institutional, financial, and policy support to accelerate the transition to a green economy in line with the global trend of carbon neutrality and market movements."

Lee Kyung-ho, chairman of KBCSD, attended the meeting on behalf of the KBCSD members. He stated, "In a situation with external fear factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and a crisis of economic recession triggered by inflation, the industry places great importance on the new government's innovative environmental policies to boost the economy." He added, "The KBCSD members will also strive to achieve carbon neutrality and create environmental, social, and governance values to fulfill corporate responsibilities in line with the government's policies."

In addition, during the meeting, major environmental policies of the new government were introduced, such as a transition to the green economy with a science-based approach to achieve carbon neutrality, improving air quality for blue sky, and creating a circular economy involving recycling. The participants shared their environmental policy suggestions and difficulties and discussed possible solutions. The Ministry of Environment, on the other hand, will analyze in-depth the recommendations and complaints to reflect them on environmental policies.

Contact: Han Mi-young, Deputy Director

Green Transition Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-6692

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

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