Justice Party "Over 50 Cotton Mask Factories in Kaesong Industrial Complex... Restarting to Prepare for Pandemic"

Published 11 Mar.2020 14:54(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Justice Party is urging the government to open channels with North Korea and restart the Kaesong Industrial Complex to address the shortage of mask production.

On the 11th, Yoon So-ha, the floor leader of the Justice Party, attended an emergency meeting of the Kaesong Industrial Complex Business Association held at the National Assembly and stated, "Since last week, we have proposed producing masks and protective suits at the Kaesong Industrial Complex to tackle the domestic mask shortage and prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic." He added, "According to officials, there is one mask factory, about 50 factories capable of producing cotton masks, and around 60 factories that can manufacture sanitary protective suits in the Kaesong Industrial Complex. Moreover, if more than 30,000 skilled workers produce masks and protective suits, the mask shortage problem can be resolved, and we could even assist countries like the United States, where COVID-19 is spreading."

He continued, "Furthermore, this issue is humanitarian and does not fall under UN sanctions. However, while the government sympathizes with the necessity, it has not taken immediate action, citing the possibility of changes in attitudes from North Korea and the United States and various practical reasons."

Yoon, the floor leader, said, "To secure stable supplies of protective equipment such as masks and protective suits and to resolve the frozen inter-Korean relations, I hope the government immediately opens channels with North Korea and operates the Kaesong Industrial Complex. The Kaesong Industrial Complex, which has been inactive for over four years, may have no further opportunities under this administration if delayed. It is said that it can be done within a month if there is the will."