Vice Unification Minister Rhee Bong-jo says North Korea will likely pay more attention to its special economic zones in the wake of the recent China visit of its leader Kim Jong-il.

In a regular news briefing Thursday, Rhee said Seoul will closely watch what Pyongyang will do after Kim’s China visit.

He said among the several special economic zones in the North including Gaesong, Mount Geumgang, Shinuiju and Rajin-Sonbong, only Gaesong has seen development.

Rhee also predicted Kim's visit will positively influence the North's nuclear issue and inter-Korean relations.