S. Korean builders' overseas orders top US$30 bln

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean builders have won more than US$30 billion
in overseas orders so far this year thanks to a rise in demand from the Middle
East, government data showed Tuesday.
Builders clinched overseas orders worth a combined $32.3 billion as of Nov. 3,
down 27 percent from $44.2 billion a year ago, according to the data by the
Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.
But the figure still topped $30 billion for a third year. Though numbers were
weak early this year, orders have since been on the rise as Middle Eastern
countries have looked to build industrial plants amid signs of an economic
recovery and rising oil prices, the ministry said.
Orders from the Middle East stood at $23.3 billion, according to the ministry,
with those from Asia reaching $7.1 billion.
Samsung Engineering Co., South Korea's largest plant builder, obtained the
highest value of overseas orders worth $4.82 billion. This is followed by Hyundai
Engineering & Construction Co. with $4.13 billion, GS Engineering & Construction
Co. with $3.12 billion and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. with $2.53 billion.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
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