A government agency will open to foster inter-Korean cooperation in light industry and underground resources.

Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said Thursday that the agency, currently referred to as the "inter-Korean exchange and cooperation support association," will launch as early as next month.

He said a Mount Geumgang management committee will also be installed to draft regulations for development and operation of the North Korean resort, and to approve business start-ups and oversee fire prevention and peacekeeping in the area.

On the subject of food aid to Pyongyang, the minister said related parties will discuss direct aid to North Korea as well as corn aid via the World Food Program, which scaled back food assistance last year in favor of development aid at the North's request.