Reading of declaration, signing of declaration by Cement representatives, etc.
Government awards presented to those who contributed to industrial development
The cement industry pledged to pursue sustainable future development.
The Korea Cement Association announced that it held the ‘3rd Cement Day’ commemorative ceremony on the 1st at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul.
Attendees included representatives and executives from the cement industry, as well as political figures such as Lee Cheol-gyu, Yoo Sang-beom, and Eom Tae-young, members of the People Power Party, Lee Seung-ryeol, Director General of Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and heads of related industry organizations.
The event proceeded with the joint reading of the ‘Cement Day’ declaration, followed by the signing of the declaration by representatives of the cement industry. The declaration expressed a commitment to accelerate the realization of carbon neutrality and the establishment of a resource-circulating society necessary to address current challenges, and to practice win-win cooperation that promises a sustainable future. After the signing, congratulatory speeches were delivered by lawmakers Lee Cheol-gyu, Yoo Sang-beom, and Eom Tae-young. Michael Ireland, President of the U.S. Cement Association (PCA), congratulated Cement Day via video message.
A government awards ceremony was also held to honor those who contributed to the development of the cement industry. Ten individuals, including Pyeon Woo-sik, Executive Director of Ssangyong C&E, who led the activation of recycling resources through the introduction of new technology using synthetic resin as a substitute for bituminous coal, received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award. This was followed by commendations from the Korea Cement Association President, the Korea Concrete Institute President, the Korea Ceramic Society President, and a special award from the Korea Cement Association President.
A representative of the Korea Cement Association explained, “To remember the cement industry, which has contributed to national development as a key industry and improved the quality of life for the people, and to boost the pride of its executives and employees, the founding chairmen of the early cement industry established July 1st, the founding day of the Korea Cement Association, as ‘Cement Day,’ which has been commemorated since 2022.”
Lee Seung-ryeol, Director General of Industrial Policy, who delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the government, said, “The remarkable economic growth achieved by the Republic of Korea was made possible by the sweat, passion, and hard work of cement workers who have strived to ensure a stable supply of cement, a core material necessary for building homes and social infrastructure.” He added, “We will actively communicate with the industry and expand institutional support to enhance competitiveness by implementing carbon neutrality in the cement industry, managing stable supply, and strengthening coexistence with local communities.”
In his commemorative address, Lee Hyun-jun, President of the Korea Cement Association, stated, “We are facing a critical turning point to achieve carbon neutrality and resolve environmental issues such as greenhouse gas reduction and fine dust mitigation, amid a decline in cement demand due to the construction market slump, soaring fuel and raw material prices, and rising electricity costs.” He emphasized, “The cement industry must lead a sustainable society by promoting changes and innovations, such as expanding the recycling of resources and solidifying an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management system.”
He continued, “Last year, we established the Cement Industry Social Contribution Foundation to promote transparency and fairness in fund management, and to advance various activities for regional development, including environmental improvement, social welfare support, and cultural and artistic sponsorships, as well as practical support to improve the quality of life for residents near cement plants. We will strive to take a step forward as an industry that can share a more progressive future.”
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