SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's incoming ambassador to China said on Tuesday Seoul will continue to expand economic cooperation with China.

    "The importance of close cooperation with China cannot be overemphasized," Ryu Woo-ik, who is officially taking office next Monday, said at a meeting organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry, according to local media.

    "Business groups have mainly led the improvement in relations between the two countries so far. Now the government needs to playa role for improving our ties," Ryu was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

    The meeting was also attended by major South Korean companies, including Doosan Corporation and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

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