The Unification Ministry says the government will cautiously review in phases the setup of an inter-Korean cooperation body charged with drafting financial assistance measures for North Korea.

Appearing on a KBS radio show Monday, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said that a recent cabinet meeting had decided to first operate a task force for inter-Korean business projects and later establish a permanent body.

In a Monday news conference, the chief of the ministry's inter-Korean exchange bureau, Kim Chun-shik, also said the exclusive corporation is necessary as it's not right for the government to continue to manage inter-Korean projects amid their growing scale and quality.

Kim said the government will make a comprehensive decision on when to install the body as well as its role, revenue source and profit structure.

President Roh Moo-hyun said last week that discussions on the matter should be put on hold until tangible progress is reaped at the six-way nuclear talks.