Choi Jung-woo, Chairman of POSCO Group, Discusses Reconstruction Cooperation with Visiting Ukrainian Delegation

Chairman Choi Jung-woo and the Ukrainian delegation are taking a commemorative photo after their meeting. From the left in the photo: Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Korea; Andriy Nikolaenko, Member of Parliament; Chairman Choi Jung-woo; Serhiy Taruta, Member of Parliament. Photo by POSCO

Choi Jeong-woo, Chairman of POSCO Group, met with a delegation of Ukrainian lawmakers visiting Korea on the 6th at the POSCO Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to discuss cooperation plans for Ukraine's reconstruction projects.

Ukrainian lawmakers Andriy Nikolaenko and Serhiy Taruta, who came to Korea at the invitation of the 'Korea-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Association,' visited the POSCO Center as part of their corporate visit schedule for post-war reconstruction project consultations and had a conversation with Chairman Choi Jeong-woo. Dmitro Ponomarenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Korea, also attended the meeting.

On this day, Chairman Choi said, "The Korean government has a firm commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction projects, and Korean companies, including POSCO Group, are actively participating, so the solidarity between the two countries will be further strengthened. We will concentrate all of POSCO Group's capabilities to commence reconstruction projects immediately after the cessation of hostilities."

In response, lawmaker Andriy Nikolaenko said, "I believe POSCO Group is the optimal partner in rebuilding war-torn Ukraine and, furthermore, in constructing a new Ukraine. I will actively work to help POSCO Group secure support from the Ukrainian government and ensure that mutual cooperation yields results."

POSCO Group launched the 'Ukraine Reconstruction Task Force (TF)' in March this year and is promoting participation in reconstruction projects centered on the TF in five business areas: steel, food, secondary battery materials, energy, and infrastructure. They also plan to accelerate humanitarian cooperation through educational support for future generations.

In steel, cooperation is being pursued in various fields such as energy generation for steel production and eco-friendly ironmaking through the Ukrainian government's 'Steel Reconstruction Program.' In the food sector, POSCO International has been operating a grain terminal in Mykolaiv Oblast, Ukraine, since 2019 and is continuously expanding sales volume. Additionally, business cooperation in secondary battery materials and energy with local companies is under consideration.

Regarding infrastructure projects, plans are underway to explore with both governments ways to utilize steel modular housing, which can drastically shorten construction periods, in reconstruction efforts.

Modular construction is an innovative method where 70-80% of the process is prefabricated in factories and then quickly assembled on-site, reducing construction time by up to 60%. It also allows for reuse and recycling. The Ukrainian delegation visited Gwangyang on the 7th, the day after the meeting, to tour the 12-story high-rise building 'Gwangyang Gigatown (POSCO employee dormitory),' which applies modular construction methods, showing interest in modular housing.

Meanwhile, POSCO Group is also focusing on supporting the educational environment for Ukraine's future generations, who are suffering due to the prolonged war. Through the Global Young Leaders Program, POSCO Group offers outstanding Ukrainian university students the opportunity to participate in a one-year exchange student program at POSTECH.

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