By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
Hyundai Steel has been stepping up its efforts to strengthen its eco-management in keeping with the government's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
On Tuesday, Hyundai teamed up with the Korea Forest Service (KFS) over a series of eco-friendly measures.
Under the partnership, Hyundai will run various eco-related educational programs, while the national agency is set to give administrative and technological support for greater care of the forest industry, Hyundai Steel officials said.
``The mutual partnership will pave the way for us to faithfully follow the government's ongoing eco-related policies,'' Park Seung-ha, Hyundai Steel vice chairman said during a signing ceremony held at a Seoul hotel.
Referring to its eco-featured steel plant in South Korea, which will begin operation from next year, Park said his company planned to allocate bigger budgets for eco-activities.
The partnership came amid mixed reactions among the nation's leading business conglomerates to Seoul's plan to cut its projected greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020.
Analysts say the target is rather challenging and energy-intensive industries fear that this commitment will hamper their international competitiveness. Some say there should be further consultations before pushing for the government's project.
``The key point is Hyundai is maintaining consistency in putting forward greener management,'' a company spokesman said.