Anchor: South Korean firms’ patience is being tested as inter-Korean talks make little headway to restart operations of their factories in North Korea. The government said Wednesday that the South and North are expected to discuss safeguards to prevent a future shutdown during the next round of talks, a condition Seoul won’t budge on.   
Our Kim Soyon has more of their story.
 
Report: South Korean firms are concerned if operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex are delayed any longer, they won't be able to receive orders for next year.
 
Negotiations on the resumption of the complex continue Thursday and come at a critical time. Some apparel companies say if operations don’t start next month at the latest, they won’t be able to fill orders for spring and summer.
 
The companies say they usually receive orders six to eight months prior to the start of manufacturing. Textile and sewing companies account for 60 to 70 percent of all firms at the complex.
 
Another concern is that Gaeseong firms have few places to sell the finished products they recently brought home from the complex since they are out of season. Gaeseong goods also have no brand of their own, which makes selling to buyers aside from the company that placed the order difficult.
 
The situation is no brighter for electronic firms that own expensive machinery and equipment. They brought out finished products and materials from the complex during a few visits to North Korea but most of their equipment is still there.
 
Firms are also fearful of the difficulty they will face trying to reestablish business ties with clients if no safeguards are in place to prevent the complex from shutting down again.
 
The government says the two Koreas will square off in Thursday’s talks on how to establish the safeguards much-wanted by Seoul.
 
The Unification Ministry told reporters Wednesday every effort will be made to reach agreement on the "constructive development" of the factory zone.

The government has said constructive development must include operational safeguards and an understanding that the park will be run in accordance with common sense and international standards.
 
 Kim Soyon, KBS World Radio News.