Gov't aims to grow advanced ceramics sector

SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- The government said Monday it will inject 200 billion
won (US$157 million) over the next five years to help develop South Korea's
advanced ceramics sector.

The local industry generated 13 trillion won in 2007 and is expected to grow to
80 trillion won by 2018, according to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.
South Korea invested 130 billion from 2004 to 2008 to help companies develop
basic technologies and product-evaluation systems. Advanced ceramics has become
integral part of parts and components industries, information technology,
nano-tech and biotech areas.
A large percentage of ceramic parts are used to make everyday consumer products.
Roughly 70 percent of mobile phones are made with ceramic-based components, with
the percentage reaching 85 percent for plasma display panels and 90 percent for
high-tech fuel cells.
"Of the total to be used up till 2012, 64.7 billion will be earmarked for various
corporate support measures, with funds also being set aside to build specialized
ceramic development centers in Gangneung and Mokpo," a ministry official said.
He added that Seoul will concentrate its development on 10 ceramic parts
industries, along with eight specific parts for which Korea currently relies
heavily on Japanese suppliers.
The ministry, in charge of industrial policy and trade promotion, emphasized the
importance of advanced ceramics, saying the global market could reach 330
trillion won by 2018, from 55 trillion won tallied for 2007.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)