Several foreign companies are expected to enter North Korea's Gaesong Industrial Complex as early as the second half of the year.

Unification Ministry official Koh Kyung-min, who heads a task force for the complex, told a radio talk show Wednesday that several German and Chinese investors are showing interest in doing business in Gaesong.

He said he is willing to invite special U.S. envoy for North Korea's human rights Jay Lefkowitz to Gaesong, saying Lefkowitz's recent criticism of the complex is due to lack of understanding.