Gov't, Samsung show reconciliatory mood

Can the relations between President Kim Dae-Jung`s administration and the Samsung Group, the nations largest business group, be improved? As the government-Samsung relations, which have been at odds with each other, are beginning to thaw. Some even cautiously speculate whether the spearhead of the North Korea-related projects, where Seoul shows substantial interests, would change from Hyundai Group to Samsung Group.

According to the authorities concerned, and business sources, Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-Hee met face-to-face with President Kim for more than one hour on July 8th. They reportedly exchanged in-depth views on inter-Korean economic cooperation and major pending economic issues facing the country.

This personal meeting was the first since January 22, last year, when the debate over the business swap-deal between Daewoo Electronics and Samsung Motors was under way. In particular, they were reported to share comprehensive opinions on Samsung Groups North Korea-related activities and future plans.