OREANDA-NEWS.  October 17, 2012. CEO Chung Joonyang was appointed as an officer of the World Steel Association, and is expected to strengthen POSCO and the Korea steel industry`s status at a global level, reported the press-centre of POSCO.

At the 46th World Steel Association annual meeting held from October 8th to 12th in New Delhi, India, CEO Chung Joonyang was elected as an officer for a term of 3 years (October 2012~October 2015).

There are three office bearers consisting of one chairman and two vice chairmen, and in addition to CEO Chung Joonyang, 2012~2013 members include Russia Severstal`s Chairman Alexey Mordasov who was elected as chairman after previously serving as vice chairman, and the previous chairman and current vice chairman Zhang Xiaogang of Anshan Iron. According to previous customs, CEO Chung is expected to be elected as the 2013~2014 chairman.

CEO Chung Joonyang has received great reviews from world steel men for his activities as a member of the Executive Committee, the World Steel Association`s highest decision-making organization. By being elected as an officer, not only is CEO Chung`s voice on major current issues of the world`s steel industry including materials, supply and demand, and sustainability strengthened, but also on the `Global POSCO Strategy` that the Company is currently putting forth.

He is also expected to serve a differentiated role of wisely coordinating and arbitrating interests between existing European and American steel companies, which are considered founding members of the association, and steel companies of emerging nations in Asia such as China.

The next officers, ArcelorMitta Chairman Lakshmi Mittal, Nippon Steel & Sumimoto Metal Chairman Muneoka, US Steel Chairman John P. Surma, and approximately 200 major global steel companies` CEOs and members attended this year`s annual meeting.

At the meeting, 2013 annual plans of the association, sustainable growth and overcoming the crisis of the steel industry, new technology development and short-term demand forecast, safety and health of the steel industry, and other current issues were discussed and opinions were exchanged.

POSCO announced its PBC-EV (POSCO Body Concept-Electric Vehicle) technology, a light and firm unique next-generation steel material for electric vehicles which can be produced at a low cost, during the meeting.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the World Steel Association is the most influential and authoritative organization in the steel field, focusing on the interests and profit increasing activities of the steel industry. First founded by 18 companies from 11 countries, the organization currently consists of approximately 170 steel companies, related associations, and research institutions from around the world, and consists of subdivision committees in 8 different fields including technology, environment, public relations, and sustainability.