Koreas hold talks to ease restrictions on Kaesong transit, communication

The two Koreas kicked off talks on Friday to facilitate transit and ease communication restrictions at the inter-Korean factory park in Kaesong. The talks mark the first time in 77 days that the two sides have sat down to a sub-panel meeting to discuss ways to enhance the business environment at the Kaesong Industrial Park. The meeting is being held in accordance with an agreement reached earlier in the year that calls for regular monthly negotiations to discuss key outstanding issues that can transform the joint industrial zone into a globally competitive hub. The Ministry of Unification said negotiators from the two sides will touch on setting up a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag system that can ease movement in and out of Kaesong, Internet connectivity, use of mobile phones by South Korean workers and improvements to customs inspections. Seoul views these talks as crucial for the sustainable development of the complex, but the North has been slow to lift restrictions. "We have been working with technicians to quickly set up RFID and Internet lines if progress is made at the talks," said a ministry source, who wanted to remain anonymous. He said if an agreement is reached, the RFID system and Internet connections can be set up within the year. Kaesong, which first churned out products in late 2004, was closed for more than five months after the North, citing political and military provocations, pulled out all of its 53,000 workers assigned to the 123 factories there run by South Korean companies in early April. The Kaesong complex only reopened on Sept. 16 following long, drawn-out negotiations and a pledge by Pyongyang to never again close down the complex for non-economic reasons.