Inter-Korean Economic Talks to Begin Wed

Inter-Korean Economic Talks to Begin Wed

South and North Korea will start the 7th inter-Korean economic talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday (Nov. 5). Their goal is to review the progress of major cross-border projects, officials in Seoul said on Tuesday.

The meeting is drawing special attention as it comes amid diplomatic efforts to resume another round of six-party talks aimed at resolving the standoff over North Korean nuclear weapons program.

During the four-day talks, the two sides are set to focus on three major economic projects, including the reconnection of cross-border railways and roads and the construction of an industrial park in the North’s city of Gaeseong.

South and North Korean officials earlier agreed to reconnect the railways and roads across the demilitarized zone by the year’s end.

South Korea’s Hyundai group is now constructing the Gaeseong industrial park for Southern businesses seeking to relocate their garment, footwear and other labor-intensive plants. Work on the facility began in June.

Seoul officials will also visit a food distribution center near Pyongyang to monitor whether the food aid provided by the South reaches the intended beneficiaries.

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