Biz lobby, climate minister discuss environment, green policies

Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan speaks during an event hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Korea's major business lobby hosted a seminar Wednesday, inviting Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan to discuss sustainable climate policies for the environment and industry.

The event, hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), came as the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment was officially launched on the day following a reorganization of government ministries.

The ministry has taken over the task of overseeing energy policies from the newly named Ministry of Trade and Industry.

"Korean companies are facing major challenges, including carbon neutrality and energy transition," KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Park Il-joon said.

"We hope that the newly launched climate ministry will implement policies that create synergy between the energy and environment sectors," Park added.

In response, Kim said the government will seek to make green and artificial transformation serve as key pillars in turning Korea into a leader in the carbon-free and green industry.

"We ask the business sector to make proactive efforts in advancing Korea's path toward a carbon-free and green civilization," Kim said.

During the event, businesses requested the government to ease the electricity fee burden for local industries while also calling for supportive measures under the government's carbon emission reduction plan.