South Korean enterprises check production facilities

South Korean companies began Monday examining production facilities and preparing the equipment at their enterprises ahead of the reopening of the jointly run industrial complex shut down amid tensions between the two Koreas. A delegation of 537 South Korean specialists has arrived at the Kaesong Industrial Complex for this purpose, KBS state radio and television network reports. They are assisted by North Korean employees who are cleaning production facilities among other tasks. The Kaesong Industrial Complex Enterprises Association reports that North Korean employees turned up to work with the approval of the North Korean authorities following a request by South Korean companies. Most of the 123 South Korean companies operating there will complete preparations for the reopening before the end of August. In September, they plan to file requests as to restart of production to concerned South Korean and North Korean agencies. The Kaesong Industrial Complex was shut down early in April, when North Korea pulled out all of its 53,000 workers hired by 123 South Korean companies, citing South Korea’s military exercises with the U.S. as the reason for its shutdown.