South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Min-seok participated in the AZEC+ (Asia Zero Emission Community Platform) online ministerial meeting on April 15, engaging with representatives from member nations.
Background on AZEC+
The AZEC initiative, launched by Japan in 2023, promotes decarbonization across Asia through collaboration among 11 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and nine ASEAN plus partner nations focused on decarbonization and economic ties. This meeting drew participation from one delegate each from non-Japanese AZEC members, along with representatives from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Kim Highlights Korea’s Green Energy Push
During his remarks, Kim stressed the need for bold measures in challenging economic conditions. He noted that the Korean government has established a non-commercial economic base, achieving the highest social return rates. Investments totaling 26.2 trillion won have supported initial green industry projects, with ongoing monitoring of socially linked initiatives to ensure performance.
“In times when individual countries intensify self-reliant efforts, cooperation among nations systematizes and institutionalizes energy business information sharing, enabling contributions to energy market policy predictions and enhancing energy administration predictability,” Kim stated.
Focus on Transport and Carbon Neutrality
Kim emphasized the transport sector’s significant share of Korea’s energy use and the importance of stable carbon policies amid social pressures. “Major root causes require energy transitions through substantial strategies,” he added. He advocated for Korea’s internal platform partnerships extended to ASEAN countries for sustainable energy advancements.
Participants acknowledged global energy business uncertainties and the need for enhanced policy collaboration. They aim to foster safe, stable energy transitions through prudent, proactive measures, recognizing tight economic linkages with ASEAN economies and the potential for regional economic spillover via energy supply and business transformations.
