[THE INVESTOR] The average lifespan of Korean manufacturers is growing shorter, as they suffer from falling profitability amid the prolonged economic slowdown at home and abroad, a survey showed Aug. 2.

Korean firms' average longevity was 8.4 years, according to the poll by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 2,400 manufacturers across the nation.

Electronics makers had the shortest lifespan, while textile producers lasted the longest.

Nearly half of respondents said they doubt the survival of their businesses after eight years, citing difficulty in keeping pace with technologies and market conditions.

They survey also showed that 38 percent of the firms survived for three years, which is an indiction that Korea is one of the harshest markets for businesses among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries.

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