Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Display Co., the world's two largest makers of liquid-crystal display (LCD) panels, said Thursday that they have obtained approval from the Chinese government to build LCD factories there.
Samsung spokesman Song Chul-kyu and LG's Son Young-jun said by phone that the companies received notices from Beijing about the decision.
Samsung plans to start operations in the second half of 2012 of the upcoming 7.5-generation LCD factory in Suzhou on China's east coast, Song said.
LG applied to build an 8th-generation factory in Guangzhou in southeastern China.
The approval will help the two LCD makers tap into growing demand for large-size flat panels used for televisions and computers.
LCD makers in Taiwan and Japan, including AU Optronics Corp. and Sharp Corp., have also sought to win approval to build LCD factories in the
world's most populous country.