ID :
25276
Sat, 10/18/2008 - 14:13
Auther :

S. Korea eyes additional dollar supply to ease liquidity squeeze

(ATTN: ADDS more info, detailed timetable on announcement of market stabilization measures in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's government is seeking to inject over US$30 billion into banks, exporters and the currency market in a bid to restore confidence and stabilization the financial sector, officials said Saturday.

The envisioned capital injection would come after the government's recent
announcement of a $15 billion liquidity provision in a move similar to the one it
took to help uncork credit conditions.
Currently, banks and companies are struggling to secure enough dollars to
refinance debts and carry out business deals amid mounting concerns over
financial instability.
According to sources at the Finance Ministry, the government will provide some
$20 billion to small- and medium-sized exporters while injecting $10 billion into
the won-dollar currency swap market.
The measure is currently under review by the government and the ruling Grand
National Party, with the final decision to be announced on Sunday along with
sweeping measures to stabilize wobbling local financial markets, the sources said
on condition of anonymity.
Market instability triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis in the U.S. recently
took a nasty turn following the collapse of the investment giant Lehman Brothers
Holdings Inc. last month.
Stock and currency markets have been going through a roller-coaster session amid
concerns that financial instability could tighten credit conditions further and
send the global economy into a recession.
To prop up market confidence, the government is reportedly mapping out diverse
measures, including capital injection, inter-bank loan guarantees and expanded
deposit insurance. Those measures will be unveiled on Sunday at noon.
On Friday, Finance Minister Kang Man-so told reporters that the measures will be
"preemptive, decisive and sufficient" actions.
The nation's central bank also announced that it has decided to adopt an open
bidding system for won-dollar swaps aimed at helping financial institutions
secure dollars more easily. The auction with eased rules will be held on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, senior officials from the government and the ruling party said that
they will convene a meeting before the announcement of market stabilization
measures on Sunday to exchange opinions on countering financial woes.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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