SHANGHAI, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Republic of Korea (ROK) President Roh Moo-hyun said here Thursday that Shanghai is well-positioned to work with Seoul and Pushan to create a "peaceful and prosperous northeast Asian era."

　　Roh, who started his state visit to China on July 7, made the remarks at a luncheon attended by over 200 ROK business people working in and around Shanghai.

　　Roh said northeast Asia is playing the role of engine for the world economy, with the gross domestic product (GDP) accounting for over 20 percent of the world's total. The figure is expected to eventually exceed 30 percent in a decade and more.

　　He believed Shanghai plays an important role in China-ROK economic cooperation, saying that has provided a good basis for creating the "northeast Asian era".

　　Statistics show that Shanghai has more than 500 ROK-funded companies and has established direct flights to six ROK cities. Shanghai-ROK trade accounts for 28 percent of the total trade between the two countries. In addition, the ROK has staked all itshigh-tech investment in the city.

　　Roh said the ROK's Incheon international airport and Shanghai'sPudong international airport should expand their cooperation, and the Pushan port and Shanghai port are friendly competitors. ROK companies experienced in organizing international activities should be of some help for Shanghai's hosting of the World Expo 2010.

　　The president also held that ROK-China economic cooperation harbors endless potential, suggesting the two sides diversify their cooperation and share their resources in personnel and technology, taking advantage of their geographic adjacency. Enditem