"Korea is ready to import about 10 mln tons coal a year from Yakutia," German Gref said following a meeting with South Korea's Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong and businessmen.
Yakutia, also known as the Sakha Republic, is Russia's largest constituent region, and is rich in resources including coal and diamonds.
Gref said that South Korea was a very important business partner for Russia, but that Korean businessmen were not active on the Russian market. Korean investment of $266 million fell far behind bilateral trade of $8 billion, he said.
Korean businessman had expressed interest not only in Russia's energy and auto manufacturing markets, Gref said, but also in chemical, timber, and home electronics industries.
Kim said Korean companies were ready to work in Russia, but needed more information on the investment climate and opportunities. He asked Gref to organize a presentation on the issue in South Korea.
The ministers signed a joint plan on stepping up bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and said they planned to hold annual Russian-Korean business forums.
