Ministry of SMEs and Startups Collaborates with Industry to Promote Carbon Neutrality

Holding a Meeting to Gather Opinions on Carbon Neutrality Policies for Small and Medium Ventures

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Lee Young, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) announced on the 26th that it held the 'SME and Startup Carbon Neutrality Policy Consultation Meeting' to hear the current status of the carbon neutrality-related SME and startup industry and expert opinions.

The company representatives and experts attending the meeting agreed that although most small and medium-sized enterprises are not yet designated as mandatory reduction targets, anticipating the possibility of expanding reduction targets in the future, responding swiftly to carbon neutrality could rather create new market opportunities.

In particular, voluntary carbon neutrality activities by SMEs and startups have sufficient potential as a business, and cases were also shared showing that efficient reduction activities are possible through consulting and other means.

There was also an opinion that verification and linkage are important for carbon reduction in SMEs and startups. Carbon neutrality is the most important indicator in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) evaluations, and there were expert opinions that linkage with loan and guarantee products should be strengthened, requiring active response.

For the successful transition to carbon neutrality of SMEs and startups, tailored policy support that meets the characteristics and demands of small businesses is necessary, and opinions were also presented that laws and systems optimized for supporting SME and startup carbon neutrality are urgently needed.

At the meeting, Jang Dae-kyo, Director of Technology Innovation Policy at the Ministry, said, "As the global trade agenda shifts paradigms with the new issue of responding to climate change worldwide, the decarbonization sector is a core agenda, and our SMEs' preparation is urgently needed," adding, "The government's carbon neutrality support should be a practical aid for business, not a regulation."

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