Held at Korea Enterprises Federation in Yeouido
Attended by over 200 industry executives and experts
The domestic cement industry, which is facing a crisis due to the downturn in the construction market, gathered to discuss ways to overcome the current challenges.
On July 1, the Korea Cement Association announced that it held the 4th Cement Day ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of the Korea Enterprises Federation Conference Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by approximately 200 participants, including executives and employees from the cement industry, heads of related industry associations, and academic experts.
The event began with the reading of the joint Cement Day declaration, followed by the signing of the declaration by industry leaders such as Geon Sik Jeon, President of the Korea Cement Association and CEO of Hanil Cement and Hanil Hyundai Cement; Hyun Jun Lee, CEO of Ssangyong C&E; Won Jin Lee, CEO of Sampyo Cement; Kyung Tae Lim, CEO of Asia Cement and Halla Cement; and In Ho Han, CEO of Sungshin Cement.
The declaration expressed the industry's commitment to realizing ESG management in the cement sector through continuous research and development, as well as accelerating the development of carbon reduction technologies to proactively address the climate crisis. It also included plans to lead the establishment of a resource-circulating society through the active adoption of resource recycling systems, and to promote cooperation with upstream and downstream industries and coexistence with local communities.
In his commemorative address, Geon Sik Jeon, President of the Korea Cement Association, stated, "Recently, the cement industry has reached a critical turning point where the industrial structure is rapidly being reorganized due to a combination of internal and external environmental changes, including the downturn in the construction market, rising manufacturing costs, and strengthened environmental regulations." He emphasized, "Let us turn this crisis into an opportunity for industrial transformation and technological innovation based on ESG, by accelerating research and development for carbon neutrality through the expansion of blended cement, recycling of circular resources, and CCUS technology, and by actively continuing various social contribution projects for coexistence with local communities."
Seung Ryeol Lee, Director General for Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said, "Cement Day symbolizes the foundation of our industry that has driven Korea's economic growth. Now, let us make this a turning point for groundbreaking change in the cement industry by adding digital innovation using AI, optimizing production processes, and reducing carbon emissions."
In celebration of Cement Day, the government also presented awards to individuals who contributed to the development of the cement industry. Ten individuals, including Hee Sung Kim, Executive Director of Sampyo Cement, who contributed to national greenhouse gas reduction and carbon neutrality policies through ESG management, and Young Hyun Sun, Executive Director of Hanil Hyundai Cement, who played a key role in securing outstanding talent, received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award. This was followed by commendations from the President of the Korea Cement Association, the President of the Korea Concrete Institute, and the President of the Korean Ceramic Society.
A representative of the association stated, "Going forward, we will strengthen the role of the cement industry, which is essential for national economic development, raise the status of government awards, and enhance the prestige of the Cement Day ceremony. We aim to foster an atmosphere of encouragement and unity to further develop the cement industry and promote the spirit of those working in the cement sector."
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