The two Koreas plan on Friday to discuss ways to improve passage across the border, communications, and customs procedures at their joint factory park in Gaeseong, the Unification Ministry said Tuesday.

The North agreed to the South’s formal request on the previous day for the meeting through the secretariat of an inter-Korean panel in charge of setting rules and settling disputes on a consensus basis. It will be the first round of consultations on these matters since Sept. 13.

An agreement was reached in late August to reopen the industrial district after a five-month freeze and iron out differences through four subcommittees on South Koreans’ access and stay; investment protection and management and operation; passage, communications and customs; and international competitiveness.

But Pyongyang has shown reluctance to discuss passage, communications and customs, sensitive issues for the reclusive communist state.

Under the August deal, the two Koreas are supposed to adopt a radio frequency identification system, begin Internet and mobile phone services within the year and ease customs formalities to facilitate daily entries of South Koreans and the operation of the complex.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)