Jaipur, Dec 7 (IANS): South Korean firms are keen to set up an exclusive manufacturing zone in Rajasthan, encouraged by the success of the Japanese cluster at Neemrana, state government officials said here Friday.

The interest, according to them, was conveyed by Kyung Yool Kim, director general of the South Korean Trade Promotion Agency (Kotra), during a meeting here Thursday with Sunil Arora, chairman of Rajasthan State Industrial Development Corp (RIICO).

Kotra is the umbrella agency of the country's ministry of commerce, industry and energy and is mandated to promote the interests of South Korean firms. Kyung is leading a large business delegation to India.

"The delegation was keen to learn about the model followed at the Japanese industrial zone in Neemrana. They were also keen to understand our arrangement with Jetro (Japan External Trade Organisation," a senior official at RIICO said.

Arora, who is also principal secretary for industries in the Rajasthan government said, explained that around 30 Japanese companies had already established operations at the Neemrana zone, which is spread over more than 1,000 acres.

He said RIICO, which is a catalyst for industrial development in Rajasthan, will be keen to offer land, along with a well-developed infrastructure, at competitive rates to the South Korean companies.

Officials said a delegation from Rajasthan government, including officials from RIICO, may soon visit South Korea to make a presentation to companies about the opportunities available in the state.