The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea has selected Samsung C&T for Investment of the Year for its role in the Victorian Desalination Project in Australia, which aims to produce 150 billion liters of drinking water a year by the end of 2012.

In its second annual Business Awards ceremony on Thursday, AustCham announced six winners for their contribution to strengthening commercial ties. AustCham awarded the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. the Chairman’s Award for its role as a major importer and investor of Australian resources.

AustCham’s Year of Friendship Award went to the Galleries Association of Korea for providing numerous Australian artists and galleries an opportunity to exhibit in Korea.

Employment services specialist Ingeus Korea won in the Best SME category for assisting over 5,000 Koreans with finding employment.

Compacks Korea took top honors in Trade Excellence in recognition of over 20 years of service in promoting processed Australian food in the Korean market.

The audience picked two-time winner Pure Commerce by text message in the Best Services category, recognizing the value of its innovative credit payment solutions.

The social event of the year for the Korean and Australian business communities was attended by over 260 guests.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)