S.Korean display makers plan $6.9 bln capex in 2010

SEOUL, Nov 2 (Reuters) - South Korean display makers plan combined investment of a minimum 8.2 trillion won ($6.9 billion) in 2010, the country's economy ministry said on Monday.

The screen-making industry, led by liquid crystal display (LCD) makers, has seen a strong recovery this year riding on solid demand for flat-screen televisions. The emerging organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology is also benefiting from rising demand from high-end mobile phones.

The ministry said in a statement the local display industry's total capital expenditure between 2010 and 2013 would reach 28.5 trillion won.

The world's biggest LCD maker Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) said on Friday it would invest around 3 trillion won in the LCD business next year, while second-ranked LG Display Co Ltd (034220.KS) said previously its 2010 capital expenditure will be similar to 3.5 trillion won planned for 2009.

Economy Minister Choi Kyung-hwan is set to meet heads of display companies later on Monday to discuss future investment and technology development, including possible investment in the advanced 11th-generation LCD facility. ($1=1186.7 Won) (Reporting by Rhee So-eui, Editing by Jacqueline Wong)