S. Korea's technology exports up 16.1 pct in 2008

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean exports of patents, trademarks and other
technologies increased 16.1 percent from a year earlier to US$2.53 billion in
2008, a government report said Thursday.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said in the report that
technology imports rose 11.1 percent to $5.67 billion last year, resulting in a
deficit of $3.14 billion in technology trade.
The report was based on a survey of 1,954 tech exporters and 2,497 tech importers
in the country.
According to the findings, the greatest increase in trade was recorded in the
electronics and mechanics industries, which include components for
semiconductors, wireless handsets and automobiles.
The materials industry was the fastest growing sector in terms of both exports
and imports, the report said.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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