-'2050 Carbon Neutrality Inter-Ministerial Strategy Meeting'
-Presidential Office-Affiliated '2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee' Established and New Vice Minister for Energy in Ministry of Industry
-'Future Cars' Identified as Leading Carbon Neutrality Project
President Moon Jae-in is presiding over the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Inter-Ministerial Strategy Meeting at the Blue House on the 27th. 2020.11.27 [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in stated on the 27th, "We will establish a presidential committee directly under the president called the '2050 Carbon Neutrality Committee (tentative name)' with participation from both the public and private sectors to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral society," adding, "We will also pursue the creation of a dedicated vice minister for energy within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to strengthen energy transition policies."
On the same morning, President Moon chaired the '2050 Carbon Neutrality Inter-Ministerial Strategic Meeting' at the Blue House, saying, "Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is an irreversible global trend," and "We must proactively respond to this monumental change rather than being swept along by it. We need an extraordinary determination to turn this challenge into an opportunity to propel the Republic of Korea to greater heights."
However, President Moon emphasized the need for "social consensus" as a prerequisite, stating, "We will expand public support through a systematic and thorough implementation plan developed through in-depth research, review, and sufficient communication."
In particular, President Moon identified 'future cars' as a leading industry for carbon neutrality. He said, "We will expand the production and distribution of electric and hydrogen vehicles and significantly increase charging stations to transform the industrial ecosystem centered on future cars," adding, "We will pay special attention and focus policy efforts on the industrial transition of existing internal combustion engine vehicle sectors, support for parts suppliers, and job-related issues."
This meeting was convened following President Moon's presentation of the '2050 Carbon Neutrality' goal in his policy speech to the National Assembly on the 28th of last month. It was intended to receive reports from various ministries on strategies to promote economic and industrial transformation and to create related jobs and green markets. It was held about two weeks after the first report on the 11th.
Attending the meeting were Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki, Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of the Interior and Safety Jin Young, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo, Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mee, and Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun. From the Democratic Party of Korea, Policy Committee Chair Han Jeong-ae, National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee Chair Yoon Hoo-duk, National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee Chair Song Ok-joo, and National Assembly Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee Chair Lee Hak-young attended. From the Blue House, Chief of Staff Noh Young-min and Policy Chief Kim Sang-jo were also present.
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