The Japanese government has set up "Korea Room" in a department that is in charge of economic affairs in an apparent sign that the island country is benchmarking South Korea amid the latter's increasing economic clout.
It's unusual for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to establish such a body specifically for a single country, Yonhap reported, citing Japan's Jiji Press.
The "Korean Room" will be in operation starting from next month with its first task to handle the resumption of negotiations with South Korea for an economic partnership treaty, it said.
The new government arm will also conduct research on the rising competitiveness of South Korean industry, including its electronics and autos.
The new body will have four to five officials and a process is underway to get final approval for its operation, it said.
