2014 was an impressive year for the Korean economy across a number of sectors, including
foreign direct investment.
Thanks to government efforts to attract foreign investors and new free trade deals, Seoul
is hoping to top last year′s record this year.
Song Ji-sun has the details.
Seoul proved to be an attractive investment destination for foreign investors last year,...
thanks to a wider network of free trade deals and government support for direct investment.
According to the trade ministry,... total foreign direct investment came to 19 billion
dollars last year,... up more than 30 percent from a year earlier and topping the previous
record set in 2012.
By region, investment from China soared nearly 150 percent to 1-point-2 billion dollars.
China′s investment portfolio was diverse as well,... ranging from resort complexes
to cultural contents and fashion.
Investment from the U.S. also edged up, reflecting the economic recovery there,... but the amount
from Japan shrunk due to the weakening Japanese yen.
Foreign direct investment rose across all sectors from manufacturing to services, especially
in parts production and business consulting.
The trade ministry said an easing of regulations, coupled with a boost in investment sentiment
following recent FTAs,... encouraged foreign investors to increase their input in Korea.
Seoul is now looking to top the 20 billion dollar mark in foreign direct investment in
2015.
Song Ji-sun, Arirang News.