Assemblyman Seodongyong Hosts National Assembly Steel Forum Policy Seminar

"Strategies for Development and Win-Win Cooperation in the Steel Industry in the Carbon Neutral Era" at Yeouido Glad Hotel

Assemblyman Seo Dong-yong, "Win-win development with upstream and downstream industries is crucial in achieving carbon neutrality in the steel industry"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] On the 26th, Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Dong-yong (Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, Gurye district) announced that he will hold a policy seminar titled “Development Strategies and Win-Win Cooperation of the Steel Industry in the Carbon Neutral Era” at the Glad Hotel in Yeouido, with participation from the National Assembly, government, industry, and academia.

Hosted by the National Assembly Steel Forum and sponsored by the Korea Iron & Steel Association, this seminar was organized to explore development strategies for the steel industry and win-win cooperation measures with related industries to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The presentation will be delivered by Jang Woong-seong, Director of the Convergence Innovation Technology Institute at Inha University, under the theme “Carbon Neutral R&D Strategies for the Steel Industry and Win-Win Measures for SMEs.” Director Jang pointed out that “the currently promoted hydrogen reduction steelmaking method to realize carbon neutrality signifies a fundamental change in the carbon-based steel industry, and the steel industry must expand its industrial ecosystem through convergence with IT, EPC industries, and others beyond a simple materials industry.” Accordingly, he emphasized that “a ‘Korean-style Carbon Neutral Innovation Platform’ should be established to foster solidarity and cooperation between large corporations and SMEs/venture companies, supporting creative innovative companies to participate in the transition to a low-carbon and eco-friendly industry.”

Lawmaker Seo Dong-yong explained the background of holding the discussion, saying, “Recently, the government announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) that it will reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 2018 by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Carbon neutrality has become a demand of the times, and in the process of realizing carbon neutrality in the steel industry, the win-win development of the entire industrial ecosystem, including not only large corporations but also upstream and downstream industries, is important.” He expressed his determination by stating, “We will provide legal and institutional support in the National Assembly for the development strategies and win-win measures discussed at the seminar.”

In addition to the presenter, the seminar will include discussions with Lee Kyung-hoon, Manager of the Steel Ceramic Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Jeon Eun-kyung, Legislative Researcher at the National Assembly Legislative Research Office; Professor Min Dong-jun of Yonsei University; Professor Oh Hyung-na of Kyung Hee University; and Nam Yang-jun, CEO of Manbo Heavy Industries. Representatives from the steel industry, including POSCO, Hyundai Steel, and the Korea Iron & Steel Association, will also attend to provide diverse opinions.

The National Assembly Steel Forum has been actively operating in the 21st National Assembly following the 20th to promote the sustainable growth of the steel industry. It includes 20 members such as co-chairs Eo Gi-gu (Democratic Party, Dangjin, Chungnam), Kim Byung-wook (People Power Party, Pohang Nam-Ulneung, Gyeongbuk), and Seo Dong-yong (Democratic Party, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, Gurye) as the research lead lawmaker, along with experts from various fields and the steel industry.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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