The Unification Ministry says it will raise this year the competitiveness of the Gaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea.

Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok said Wednesday that Gaesong staff from both Koreas will visit industrial parks overseas and that North Korean workers will receive training in a third country.

He said Seoul has held talks with Pyongyang and several foreign firms on opening the complex to foreign investment, adding the move will help create a safer business network.