Ministry of Unification "Sympathizes with the Purpose of Mask Production in Kaesong Industrial Complex"

"Quarantine, Facility Inspections, and Material Supply Are Practically Difficult"
Inter-Korean Exchange Cooperation Special Committee "Operate Kaesong Industrial Complex to Produce Masks"

Yeosang-gi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification

Amid the 'mask crisis' related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation, the Ministry of Unification expressed sympathy for the idea of producing masks at the Kaesong Industrial Complex but pointed out practical difficulties on the 11th.

At a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Unification Ministry spokesperson Yeo Sang-gi responded to questions regarding 'mask production at the Kaesong Industrial Complex' by saying, "We sympathize with the intention to overcome difficulties caused by COVID-19," but added, "It seems difficult to implement or promote this immediately."

Spokesperson Yeo stated, "The government's position that the Kaesong Industrial Complex should be restarted remains unchanged," but added, "However, we need to examine practical issues to restart the suspended Kaesong Industrial Complex."

He first explained, "Currently, both South and North Korea are focusing on quarantine efforts for COVID-19, and if the Kaesong Industrial Complex is restarted, the situation where personnel from both sides meet indoors and have close contact could be a burden."

He continued, "A facility inspection period is necessary to restart the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which has been suspended for some time," adding, "This also needs to be taken into consideration."

Furthermore, he explained, "Currently, more than 10 million masks are being produced domestically, so the issue of transporting essential raw materials such as filters and nonwoven fabrics needed for mask production to Kaesong must also be considered."

The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, introduced on the 11th, along with related photos, that the Ryongaksan Soap Factory is producing various types of disinfectant solutions as part of the COVID-19 prevention efforts.

Meanwhile, the Busan City Council's Special Committee on Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation (Inter-Korean Special Committee) urged the operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex to produce masks amid the mask shortage on the same day.

The Inter-Korean Special Committee stated, "Although the risk and fear caused by COVID-19 are spreading worldwide, no clear vaccine or treatment has been developed yet, and even the minimum preventive measure, masks, are insufficient, exacerbating social confusion," adding, "In South Korea alone, the government's announced domestic daily mask production of 10 million masks is far short of the daily demand of 30 million masks."

They continued, "According to the Kaesong Industrial Complex Support Foundation, there is one company capable of producing 1 million masks per month, 50 companies manufacturing cotton masks, and 64 companies producing sanitary protective clothing in the Kaesong Industrial Complex," emphasizing, "With about 35,000 North Korean workers, large-scale production can meet not only domestic but also global demand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.