S Korean gov't sets 2009 export target at $450 bln

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Chinese media) -- South Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy said

Friday it aims to achieve exports of 450 billion U.S. dollars in 2009 by

implementing a full range of support measures.

"Most optimistic predictions by think tanks and trade experts place the

country's export total at around 430 billion U.S. dollars for the new year,"

Vice Minister Rim Che-min said in a briefing. "However, the number may go up if

the government increases funds that can be used for export insurance and

overseas shipment guarantees."

The target is up from the 420 billion U.S. dollars expected for2008 but

sharply lower than its earlier goal of 500 billion U.S. dollars.

To promote exports, the government plans to provide 170 trillion won (132

billion U.S. dollars) for insurance and guaranteed coverage in 2009, up from 130

trillion won (100.94 billion U.S. dollars) set aside for this year, according to

the ministry.

Steps will also be taken to boost oversees marketing efforts to help South

Korean companies increase their sales in foreign market, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the ministry expected the nation will post trade surplus of 10

billion U.S. dollars next year thanks to a sharp drop in imports.