Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has hinted at the government not granting Hyundai Asan Corporation exclusive rights to inter-Korean projects including tourism.

In a parliamentary audit of state agencies Monday, he said the business agreement between Hyundai Asan and the North is valid but that it does not automatically dictate Seoul's policy.

Chung said Hyundai Asan is worthy of recognition for leading inter-Korean cooperation projects despite difficulty.

But he added Seoul will take an independent stance by considering the Fair Trade Act, free market competition and Hyundai Asan's contribution.