Seoul: South Korea’s major business lobby hosted a seminar Wednesday, inviting Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan to discuss sustainable climate policies for the environment and industry. The event, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), coincided with the official launch of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, which emerged following a reorganization of government ministries.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the new ministry has assumed the responsibility of overseeing energy policies from the newly named Ministry of Trade and Industry. “South Korean companies are facing major challenges, including carbon neutrality and energy transition,” stated KCCI Executive Vice Chairman Park Il-joon. He expressed hope that the newly launched climate ministry would implement policies that create synergy between the energy and environment sectors.

In his response, Minister Kim Sung-whan emphasized the government’s commitment to making green and artificial transformation central to establishing South Korea as a leader in the carbon-free and green industry. “We ask the business sector to make proactive efforts in advancing South Korea’s path toward a carbon-free and green civilization,” Kim urged.

During the event, businesses voiced concerns about the electricity fee burden on local industries and called for supportive measures under the government’s carbon emission reduction plan.