POSCO and JSW Steel Forge $7.3 Billion Partnership for Steel Plant in India
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Seoul, April 20 (NationPress) The South Korean conglomerate POSCO Group announced on Monday that it has finalized an agreement with JSW Steel of India to collaboratively invest 10.7 trillion won (equivalent to $7.3 billion) in the construction of a steel manufacturing facility in India. This initiative is part of POSCO's strategy to create a production base in the South Asian region and enhance its global supply chain.
The joint venture agreement was signed in India, with notable attendance from POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa and JSW Steel CEO Jayant Acharya, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Both POSCO and JSW Steel will maintain equal ownership with a 50 percent stake in the project aimed at establishing a fully integrated steel mill at a single location.
POSCO's investment in the venture will amount to approximately 5.3 trillion won.
Planned for Odisha in eastern India, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 6 million tons, with its completion expected by 2031.
Prior to this agreement, POSCO and JSW Steel had engaged in a memorandum of understanding in 2024 and a non-binding heads of agreement the previous year.
POSCO's CEO, Lee Hee-geun, remarked, "This joint investment will allow us to merge POSCO's advanced steel technology with the strong local presence of JSW Group. We aim to generate future value and contribute significantly to the economic development of both nations."
In a related context, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung mentioned that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to work together to stabilize energy supply chains amidst uncertainties from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
During a press briefing following his summit with Modi in New Delhi, Lee emphasized the focus on expanding trade and investment while exploring new opportunities in critical sectors such as minerals, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), finance, and shipbuilding.
"Considering the recent fluctuations in the Middle East, we will enhance our bilateral cooperation to guarantee a steady supply of energy resources and essential raw materials, including naphtha," Lee stated in a joint press release.