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North Korea seems to be focusing on economic matters after executing leader Kim Jong-un's
uncle, and the country's second most powerful man, Jang Song-thaek.
A fourth round of inter-Korean discussions is currently underway at the jointly run Gaeseong
Industrial Complex and a delegation of foreign officials is expected to visit the business
park later this afternoon. Hwang Sung-hee reports.
The two Koreas met on Thursday for the first time since the North executed its second-in-command
and key economic policymaker, Jang Song-thaek, last week.
It's the fourth round of inter-Korean discussions on the management of their jointly-run Gaeseong
Industrial Complex. On the agenda is easing the commute and custom
procedures for South Korean workers crossing the border to the North as well as allowing
the use of the Internet and mobile phones within the complex.
Another key issue will be attracting foreign investors.
On the same day, North Korea will welcome a delegation of foreign officials from the
Group of 20 nations to the joint business park.
The South Korean government expects the tour to be the first step in globalizing the complex,
which is regarded as the last remaining symbol of economic cooperation between the two Koreas.
Experts say Thursday's inter-Korean talks and visit by the G20 delegation will offer
a glimpse at North Korea's economic policy, and where the joint factory zone stands after
Jang's execution. As the country's key economic policymaker,
Jang had been in charge of a handful of economic cooperation projects.
Meanwhile, former NBA star Dennis Rodman is set to visit Pyongyang for the third time
this year. Experts say if Rodman meets with his North
Korean friend Kim Jong-un again, it will signal the regime remains stable, at least for now.
Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.