An association of South Korean companies operating at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea says a growing number of member firms are considering withdrawing from the business park or relocating to China or Southeast Asia.

The association's secretariat said in a statement Wednesday that it has completed surveys of the management situations of Gaeseong companies which suggest some firms could abandon operations at the South-North joint venture.

The results of the survey showed an increased number of firms are struggling to stay afloat following an increasing number of order cancellations resulting from North Korea's nuclear test as well as restrictions on cross-border transit.

The statement said companies that were financially stable when they first moved into the complex are now facing a crisis due to strained inter-Korean ties. The companies are urging the Seoul government for related assistance.

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