[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon] Ascon specialist #SG is accelerating its expansion into overseas infrastructure projects after its road reconstruction project in Ukraine was selected for a government-supported feasibility study.

SG announced on the 10th that its Ukraine reconstruction project has been selected for a feasibility study (F/S) as part of the South Korean government’s program to support the development of overseas infrastructure markets.

The company explained that this procedure is a stage to verify the technical and economic feasibility of the local road reconstruction project in Ukraine, and it is significant because it marks the entry into a government-level feasibility review phase, going beyond the level of simple market research.

The company is targeting the Ukrainian reconstruction market based on "Eco-Steel Ascon," an eco-friendly paving technology that utilizes steel slag. Eco-Steel Ascon is characterized by its ability to increase durability and service life compared to conventional asphalt while reducing maintenance costs. In particular, it is considered highly applicable locally in Ukraine, where a robust steel industry infrastructure allows for a stable supply of slag, the raw material.

SG has already established a local subsidiary in Ukraine, registered relevant patents, and successfully completed a test road paving project. The company has also laid the groundwork for its business by receiving positive evaluations regarding technical cooperation from a research institute under the Ukrainian Agency for Reconstruction.

Recently, Vitaliy Kim, Governor of Mykolaiv Oblast in Ukraine, visited SG while in South Korea to attend the 17th Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) to discuss cooperation on eco-friendly road restoration projects. This visit was part of follow-up cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for road restoration projects signed in 2023, and the two sides discussed plans to expand reconstruction projects.

In addition, SG participated in economic cooperation discussions attended by Ukrainian MP Andriy Nikolaenko and domestic political and business leaders to explore post-war reconstruction projects and cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine. Park Chang-ho, CEO of SG, was also present at the time.

Going forward, the company plans to actively pursue local market research, review business structures, and consult with clients, as well as actively seek linkages with large-scale projects such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

An SG official stated, “The Ukraine reconstruction project is highly likely to expand beyond simple restoration into a long-term infrastructure upgrading initiative,” adding, “We will fully launch our efforts to penetrate the local market based on our Eco-Steel Asphalt technology, which combines eco-friendliness and durability, and create synergies with government-supported projects.”