Huge pension fund poised for major investment in Britain

The South Korean National Pension Service (NPS) announced the move yesterday after a meeting between its chairman, Jun Kwang-woo, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is visiting Seoul.

The multi-billion dollar fund is the fourth largest in the world and has ambitious plans to almost double its overseas portfolio. The London office, to be opened in June, only its second foreign base after New York.

It has already invested more than £1 billion in the UK over the past two years, with stakes in Gatwick Airport, HSBC’s Canary Wharf headquarters and other property developments.

Mr Clegg said: “This is fantastic news which has the potential to bring considerable investment to the UK and create a significant jobs boost back home.

“Investment in infrastructure is a virtuous circle, growing our manufacturing and construction sectors and making Britain more attractive for further investment.

“We’re ramping up our sales pitch abroad – Britain is open for business. We’re making sure the UK doesn’t miss out because investors don’t know what’s on offer or about our long-term strategy to deliver world-beating infrastructure. NPS’s decision to open in London is testament to the economic opportunities in the UK.”

Mr Clegg on Sunday announced the UK had ratified a free trade agreement between the EU and South Korea.

He said it could add £500m per year to the UK economy and create £2 billion of additional export opportunities for UK businesses.

The move is part of the coalition Government’s strategy of strengthening trade links with the world’s fastest growing economies.

The Deputy Prime Minister is in Seoul to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, which will be attended by representatives of 53 nations including US president Barack Obama.