Gov't to Provide 66 Bln More to Firms Hit by Gaeseong Complex Suspension

The government will provide an additional 66 billion won to South Korean firms that have been hit hard by the suspension of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea.
The government on Friday unveiled a series of measures on helping such firms and other businesses that have suffered financial damage from Seoul's May 24th economic sanctions against the North and the 2008 suspension of tours to Mount Geumgang.
The Unification Ministry said the government devised the measures as it believes it should be responsible for companies that are in financial turmoil due to sudden changes in government policies.
Since it decided to shut down the Gaeseong park in response to the North’s fourth nuclear test in February of last year, the government has provided roughly 517 billion won to South Korean firms that had operations in the joint venture.
The ministry said the provision of 66 billion won in additional funds to such companies will cover around 74 percent of financial losses that the businesses experienced.
The additional assistance will focus on covering damage to floating assets, including finished products and materials.
South Korean firms with operations in Gaeseong plan to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss whether to accept the government's proposal. The businesses have been demanding full compensation for their damages.
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