South Korea’s Overseas Direct Investment Topped US$10 Billion in Q1
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The Ministry of Strategy & Finance announced on May 12 that South Korean enterprises’ and individuals’ overseas direct investment increased by 29.5% from a year ago to US$10.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, breaking the US$10 billion mark for the first time in four years.
The amount has continued to increase since early last year. It rose by 32.8% from US$34.44 billion to US$45.74 billion between 2010 and 2011 and then fell 13.3% to US$39.65 billion and 10.1% to US$35.64 billion in 2012 and 2013, respectively. However, it rebounzded to US$40.23 billion last year after edging down by 1.8% to US$35 billion in 2014.
The amount of the investment in Asia soared by 64.3% to US$2.95 billion to take up 28.6% of the total. That in Latin America jumped by 75.4% to US$2.35 billion. In contrast, that in North America declined by 10.9% to US$2.73 billion while that in Oceania dropped by 30%. By country, those in China and Vietnam increased by 93% and 36.3%, respectively. On the contrary, those in the United States and Canada fell 8.2% and 60.9%.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which sectors saw the most significant increases in overseas direct investment during the first quarter?
Which sectors saw the most significant increases in overseas direct investment during the first quarter?
The banking and insurance sector experienced a 96.3% increase year-on-year, reaching US$4.02 billion. The manufacturing sector also saw a rise of 33.6%, totalling US$2.76 billion.
Q.Which geographical regions attracted the most significant increases in South Korean investment?
Which geographical regions attracted the most significant increases in South Korean investment?
Investment in Asia soared by 64.3% to US$2.95 billion, representing 28.6% of the total. Latin America also saw a substantial jump, with investment increasing by 75.4% to US$2.35 billion.
Q.How does the latest quarterly investment figure compare to previous years' quarterly performance?
How does the latest quarterly investment figure compare to previous years' quarterly performance?
The US$10.3 billion recorded in the first quarter of this year is the first time the US$10 billion mark has been broken in four years. This amount increased by 29.5% from the previous year.
Q.Which specific countries saw increases in investment from South Korea?
Which specific countries saw increases in investment from South Korea?
Investment in China increased by 93% and in Vietnam by 36.3%. In contrast, investment in the United States and Canada both saw declines.
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