South Korean manufacturers' facility investment is forecast to rise an average
of 1.3 percent next year, a turnaround from an estimated 1 percent drop this
year, a poll showed Thursday.
According to the survey of 500
manufacturers by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), 28.6 percent
of the respondents said that they will increase their capital expenditures this
year to improve superannuated facilities, while 27.6 percent said they will cut
their investment due to ailing demands both at home and abroad.
"A
slowdown in exports and depressed domestic demand led to the increased corporate
investment this year," the KCCI said, adding, "Next year's corporate investment
will remain at the level of 2011 as they expect economic conditions to remain
uncertain next year."
By sector, food, machinery and automobile makers
are predicted to increase their investments in 2013, but petrochemicals and home
appliance makers' investments will slow down, the KCCI said.
Investments by large enterprises are predicted to rise 4.5 percent next year,
with those by smaller companies set to fall 0.4 percent, the chamber said.
Corporate capital spending is likely to drop an average of 1 percent this
year from a year earlier, according to the findings.