Samsung's auto business

Samsung's auto business

SEOUL (AFP): The government is close to giving the go-ahead to
South Korea's leading Samsung Business Group to open an
automobile business, officials said yesterday.

"Samsung's application will be given a positive
consideration," Vice Trade Minister Park Woon-Seo told a press
conference.

Park's comment came one day after President Kim Young-sam told
a business gathering that his administration would encourage a
level playing field within the country.

"First of all, the government will ensure to the maximum
extent free and fair competition in the domestic market," Kim
declared.

Administration sources said Kim's declaration could be
interpreted as a virtual opening of unrestricted competition
among South Korea's auto makers, which have been trying to block
Samsung's bid.