Figures by the Korea International Trade Association show a steep on-year growth of US$1.3 billion in Korea's corporate investment in Cambodia last year. That makes the Southeast Asian country the second-biggest destination after China in terms of Korea's overseas investment.

Investments to Laos, meanwhile, posted a 16-fold jump in 2006 from the year before and chalked up $81 million in 2007.

Analysts say such expansion in investment has helped Korean exports to the two countries post significant growth, especially for auto parts, textiles and steel.

Arirang News