Hong Nam-ki: "Carbon Neutrality is a Timely and Global Trend... 'Bold Preemptive Response' is Desirable" (Update)

The 22nd Emergency Economic Central Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting and the 44th Economic Relations Ministers' Meeting

'2050 Carbon Neutrality Promotion Strategy' Discussion

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is delivering opening remarks while presiding over the "22nd Emergency Economic Central Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting" held on the 7th at the Government Seoul Office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated on the 7th, "For national interest and our future generations, (carbon neutrality) is more desirable as a 'bold preemptive response rather than situational adaptation.'"

On this day, Deputy Prime Minister Hong presided over the 22nd Emergency Economic Central Countermeasures Headquarters meeting and the 44th Economic Ministers' Meeting at the Government Seoul Office, making these remarks.

Hong emphasized, "The transition to a sustainable economy through carbon neutrality is a timely and global trend, making it a mandatory task for us rather than a choice," adding, "Considering our conditions such as a manufacturing-centered industrial structure, high fossil fuel dependency, and high trade dependence, carbon neutrality is a very challenging task for us."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong also presented policy directions for realizing carbon neutrality. He said, "The government has been seeking ways to achieve carbon neutrality by minimizing the burden on our economy and society while maximizing our capabilities," and explained, "Today, we have established the framework of the so-called '3+1' strategy, which includes three major policy directions: 'Decarbonization of the economic structure,' 'Creation of a low-carbon industrial ecosystem,' and 'Fair transition to a carbon-neutral society,' along with 'Strengthening the institutional foundation for carbon neutrality.'"

He continued, "The government must take preemptive measures at this turning point of the new paradigm shift to seize opportunities and lay the foundation to simultaneously achieve carbon neutrality, economic growth, and improvement in the quality of life for the people," adding, "Details will be briefed to the public jointly by related ministries after the meeting."

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