Ex-Prime Minister Predicts Large-Scale Economic Cooperation Between Koreas

Ex-Prime Minister Predicts Large-Scale Economic Cooperation Between Koreas


Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan
By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

Presidential hopeful Lee Hae-chan of the pro-government Uri Party said Thursday that the two Koreas may agree on large-scale economic cooperation during the second inter-Korean summit slated for Aug. 28-30 in Pyongyang.
Lee, 55, who served as prime minister between 2004 and 2006, made a four-day trip to Pyongyang in March to discuss matters of mutual concern.
``The North wants to establish industrial complexes in its port cities, including Nampo and Wonsan, as well as develop tourism in its scenic mountains,'' Lee said. ``There is a high possibility that the two sides will agree on economic cooperation that can boost the North's economy.''
Lee, a confidant to President Roh Moo-hyun, stressed the importance of the Gyeongui railway, which connects Seoul and North Korea's border city of Gaeseong, for economic cooperation in the future.
``The railway, once completed, will be an axis for cooperation,'' he said. ``The South can help the North's economic growth by expanding its infrastructure through the railway.''
As exports and imports would be delivered to China, Japan and Europe through the rail line, the two sides could also stand to collect a great amount of toll fees, he added.
Rep. Lee Hwa-young of the Uri Party, who accompanied Lee on his North Korea visit in March, hinted that the two Koreas agreed to hold the second summit because they felt the need to encourage more economic cooperation.
Former President Kim Dae-jung, the 2000 Nobel Peace laureate, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il held the first-ever inter-Korean summit meeting from June 13-15, 2000, in Pyongyang.
On Wednesday, the two Koreas simultaneously announced that they had agreed to hold a second summit between Roh and Kim Jong-il also in Pyongyang.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr