(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, comments from para 3)
SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean companies are planning to increase

The number of initial public offerings (IPO) is expected to decline further in 2009
as the global financial crisis continues to make it difficult to access capital

Gunns Ltd has been cleared by the federal government to start construction of its
controversial Tasmanian pulp mill, the timber giant said.

SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) has
provided US$45 million to ailing local affiliate Ssangyong Motor Co., the South

Vietnam to build hydro power plants in north Laos

Laos to sell sweet corn to RoK, China

Laos to sell sweet corn to RoK, China

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new budget carrier Eastar Jet Co. said
Monday that it plans to provide flight services on a domestic route starting

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Eygpt will set up a joint
trade and investment committee to further strengthen bilateral trade and

SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government has decided to resume the
construction of Gyeongin canal linking the Han River and the Yellow Sea nearly