South and North Korean officials in charge of inter-Korean economic cooperation have conducted a joint overseas industrial inspection for the first time.

A Unification Ministry says 14 officials at the Gaesong Industrial Complex cooperation office in North Korea toured industrial facilities in China and Vietnam from June 19th to the 28th.

There have been joint field trips on the civic level but the trip is a first for government officials.

The delegation visited South Korean firms in the two countries for briefings on investment and business conditions. Seoul shouldered the entire cost of the trip including airfare and lodging for the North Korean officials.