The task force was formed to steer policy discussions as South Korea works to implement its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, and to turn those efforts into growth opportunities while strengthening coordination between the public and private sectors.
At the launch event, participants shared the strategy’s drafting direction and the task force’s operating plan, and discussed ways to translate proposals from private-sector consultative groups into concrete policy tasks.
The government outlined green-transition priorities aimed at ensuring implementation of the 2035 NDC, including expanding renewable energy, demonstrating hydrogen-based steelmaking, sharply increasing adoption of hydrogen and electric vehicles, electrifying thermal energy use, converting livestock manure into energy, and revitalizing the timber industry.
It also said it will prepare a package of support measures, including technology development, certification and standards, financial and tax support, and regulatory easing, along with steps to deliver a “just transition.”
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presenting private-sector proposals, said 72% of its member companies believe a Korean-style GX policy is needed. It called the K-GX strategy a key national task to strengthen industrial competitiveness and future growth, and urged the government to create conditions that allow companies to view carbon neutrality as an opportunity and keep investing.
Koo said a proactive green transition is a “core agenda” for South Korea’s manufacturing-centered economy. “I will fully support the K-GX strategy with strong determination so it becomes a driving force for future national competitiveness and a major economic leap,” he said. He also said the government will build a foundation for broad public participation and support the transition so it becomes central to regional growth alongside local industries.
Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan said the goal of the K-GX strategy is to cut carbon emissions through a green transition while drawing domestic investment by South Korean companies and maximizing growth potential based on the country’s technological capabilities. He said the government will mobilize all available policy tools — including technology development, fiscal measures, finance and tax policy — to support a major shift toward decarbonized, growth-oriented development.
The government said it will actively incorporate industry input through the task force and plans to announce the K-GX strategy in the first half of this year. It also plans to set up a dedicated unit within the climate ministry to support the strategy’s development and implementation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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