South Korean mobile operator KT has created a special task force to support inter-Korean economic cooperation and expand exchanges in information and communication technology, following the third summit between the two Koreas last month, according to the company on Wednesday.

The task force is operating directly under the president of its corporate planning division in order to support the South Korean government’s joint economic projects with North Korea and prepare a comprehensive plan for software development and other inter-Korean ICT cooperation, KT said.

KT plans to provide communications infrastructure for inter-Korean economic cooperation projects, which could include assisting the operation of the joint industrial complex in Kaesong and cross-border tourism to Kumgangsan, if these stalled projects resume, the company said. 

In December 2005, KT opened a branch in the Kaesong industrial park to install about 700 private communication lines connecting the two Koreas and offer communication services to South Korean companies operating in the industrial park for the next 10 years.

It also secured a 50-year lease on 10,000 square meters of land within the complex from the North Korean authorities for the construction of a telecommunications building, as well as a light cable network connecting the two Koreas.

“KT has played a key role in promoting inter-Korean economic cooperation and milestone events, including the historic summit on April 27,” said Ku Hyeon-mo, president of KT’s corporate planning group. “As a people’s company for Korea and the world, we will continue our best efforts to strength cooperation between the two Koreas not only in ICT but also in social and cultural fields.”

To facilitate inter-Korean exchanges, KT plans to restart joint research and development with the Korea Computer Center under the North’s Samcholli General Corp., which began in 2004.

It will also promote programs to educate North Korean IT workers and utilize the workforce under consultation with the concerned authorities of both Koreas.

By Song Su-hyun (song@heraldcorp.com)