Pres. Lee Picks ‘Green Industry’ as New Growth Engine

President Lee Myung-bak will stress Aug. 15 fostering “green industry and technology” as a new engine for economic growth in his speech to mark the 60th anniversary of the country’s liberation from Japan.

A presidential source said yesterday, “President Lee will urge the nation to take the environmental crisis stemming from global warming as an opportunity for growth, and that technological development for reducing greenhouse emissions will create new jobs and markets in serving as a new growth engine.”

“Green technology is the safest way for energy importers like Korea. The government is working on comprehensive plans to deal with climate change, including expanded investment in renewable energy resources.”

During the G8 summit July 9 in Toyako, northern Japan, President Lee announced Seoul’s mid-term goal to reduce greenhouse gases by 2020.

“Korea will not hesitate to act as an early mover in the international community in dealing with climate change and energy issues,” he said.

swpark@donga.com