South Korea plans to send 16 fire engines to developing countries this year as part of its broader national assistance program aimed at promoting global balanced growth, the government said Sunday.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Security said it will refurbish retiring firefighting trucks, water tankers and ambulances to Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Mongolia.

The equipment will be provided for free and will help these countries strengthen their emergency services. South Korea set aside 91 million won ($77,600) to send fire trucks abroad this year.

"A complete maintenance check will be conducted to make certain they are in perfect working condition, with the fire engines to be given a new paint job before delivery," an official source said.

Besides sending the equipment, it will offer necessary personnel training.

Seoul has been sending fire engines to developing countries since 2005, with 166 having been shipped to 11 countries so far. (Yonhap)