Drawing the participation of specialists from the government, industry, and academia, the event took place within the framework of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities in February 2019 to strengthen strategic cooperation in cleaner production and eco-industrial development.

During the workshop, the two parties discussed their respective countries’ experiences and policies regarding cleaner production processes, as well as the challenges they face in promoting eco-industrial development.

The UAE participants provided an overview of the UAE Green Agenda (2015-2030) and the UAE National Sustainable Production & Consumption Plan (2019-2030). They presented Emirates Global Aluminium, the world’s largest premium aluminum producer, as a prime example of UAE industrial companies’ commitment to green production. They also highlighted the environment-friendly features of the MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai that has obtained Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first federal government building to receive the highest rating in building design and energy efficiency in the region.

Meanwhile, the Korean participants outlined their cleaner production model, using the industrial park in Ulsan as an example.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for specialists from the two countries to network with their peers, members of academia and industry representatives, as well as policy makers.   

In her opening remarks, Eng Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of Green Development and Environmental Affairs at MOCCAE, said: “In line with its ambition to become one of the best countries in the world, set out in the UAE Vision 2021, our country is dedicated to balancing economic growth with green objectives. Under the UAE Green Agenda (2015-2030), adopted by the Cabinet in 2015, federal and local government entities and other stakeholders are all proactively contributing to developing green economy.”

Speaking on the workshop’s topic, Eng Al Abdooli said: “Clean production is a critical element of realizing the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, MOCCAE plays an important role in providing a unique platform for global knowledge exchange on improving energy efficiency, conserving natural resources, and reducing waste through disruptive technologies and innovative financing mechanisms.”

She added: “The transition to a green economy is not only about government policies, it also requires enhanced cooperation among all concerned parties. Fostering partnerships and joint financing mechanisms among countries and between the public and private sectors is the key to gearing the course of development towards a green and sustainable direction.”

For his part, Seokjin Chung, Director of the Industrial Environment Division at MOTIE, said: “Since the mid-2000s, Korea has improved resource and energy efficiency in diverse enterprises and industrial complexes through cleaner production and eco-industrial development policies that support the reduction and recycling of waste and byproducts of production processes through linking companies and providing them with consultation and technologies.”

He added: “Korea and the UAE are focusing their efforts on cultivating industries that take environmental aspects into consideration and are actively promoting environment-friendly industrial policies. We are pleased to exchange know-how and experience with our UAE counterparts in a bid to fulfil the goals of the MoU.”

Following the workshop, the Korean delegates toured Emirates Global Aluminium premises and Jebel Ali Free Zone.