<중기부, SK E&S와 '자상한 기업 협약' 체결…"中企 ESG 지원"> Ministry of SMEs and Startups Signs 'Caring Company Agreement' with SK E&S... "Supporting SME ESG"

SK Group headquarters located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junhyung Lee] SK Group subsidiary SK E&S is stepping forward as the first company of 'Caring Companies 2.0' to promote the spread of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

On the 22nd, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it signed a 'Caring Companies Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)' with SK E&S and the Innobiz Association at the Foundation for Cooperation between Large, Small & Medium Enterprises and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Guro-gu, Seoul. The goal of this agreement is to realize a hydrogen economy and carbon neutrality and to solve regional issues to promote ESG.

'Caring Companies' is an abbreviation for 'Voluntary Win-Win Cooperation Companies.' It refers to large companies that share their capabilities and know-how not only with their partners but also with non-trading companies or small business owners.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups judged that SK E&S is a company that can practically support carbon neutrality and ESG management transition for small and medium enterprises and small business owners. SK E&S is evaluated as a private energy company leading eco-friendly energy businesses such as hydrogen and renewable energy centered on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Through this agreement, SK E&S will discover innovative companies that will lead the hydrogen economy and carbon neutrality together and support research and development (R&D). Promising startups in the Green New Deal sector will also be nurtured through support for demonstration tests and pilot purchases of excellent products. SK E&S will also assist in improving facilities to enhance energy efficiency for small and medium enterprises and small business owners within its business area.

Previously, Caring Companies operated by sharing the capabilities of large companies regardless of the field. In contrast, Caring Companies 2.0 selects companies by setting timely priority areas before project implementation. This year’s focus areas include the spread of ESG management in SMEs, the Korean New Deal, and carbon neutrality. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will foster innovative companies in related fields and promote win-win cooperation with small business owners. Additionally, it plans to increase the implementation rate of the agreement through systematic inspections after the agreement.

Chu Hyung-wook, CEO of SK E&S, said, "We appreciate the high evaluation of the social activities the company has been promoting to build an eco-friendly business and regional social safety net," adding, "We will continue to strive to realize eco-friendly values through win-win cooperation."

Minister Kwon Chil-seung of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups said, "This agreement is the first case of win-win cooperation where large companies and small and venture businesses realize ESG together," and added, "We will expand Caring Companies 2.0 to various fields such as the Korean New Deal and support for business revival."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.