The South Korean government planned to expand its financial support for companies at the Kaesong Industrial Complex that has halted operations for over two weeks, a joint statement unveiled by several ministries, including unification and finance ministry, showed Wednesday.

The Unification Ministry is reviewing how to offer special loans to South Korean companies that have factories at the Kaesong industrial park as their businesses have been suspended since April 9 when the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) prohibited reportedly around 53,000 DPRK workers from working at the industrial zone.

The special loans will be financed through the inter-Korean cooperation fund, or South Korea's state funds for the inter- Korean cooperation, to compensate companies for damages from the suspension. The ministry will unveil detailed plans following the consultation with related ministries.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance will draw up a financial aid package for 123 companies at Kaesong, while generally adjusting and managing measures taken by related ministries.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) will expand liquidity supply through consultations with commercial banks, while strengthening loan-guarantee service through the state-run guarantee funds.

The Small and Medium Business Administration will offer public funds to companies, while extending the existing loan repayment.

The National Tax Service will bring forward the payment of value-added tax refunds, while the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will ask large businesses to extend the delivery date of products manufactured at Kaesong.