More S. Korean products top global markets in 2007

SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Yonhap) -- The number of South Korean products dominating global
markets rose slightly in 2007 thanks to improved quality and market
diversification, a government report showed Thursday.
A total of 127 South Korean products were top sellers in respective world markets
last year, up from 121 the previous year, according to the report by the Ministry
of Knowledge Economy. They included memory chips, liquefied natural gas (LNG)
tankers, digital displays, desalination plants, ship diesel engines and CD-ROM
drives.
The number has been on the rise since 2002, when 49 products made the
"best-seller" list. Seoul started compiling the list based on market share in
2001 to help fuel exports.
According to the report, South Korea made 49.1 percent of all memory chips sold
on the market, launched 80.5 percent of LNG tankers and built 43 percent of all
desalination plants in the world in 2007.
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. each made 26 of the
world's best-selling products, with LG Electronics and LG Chem Ltd. possessing 13
and 12, respectively.
The ministry also said that it designated 56 new products this year as "world
quality products" that rank in the global top five in their respective fields.
Products that make the world quality product list are eligible to receive state
support in overseas marketing efforts, product design improvement assistance and
financial and personnel help.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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