Archive for December, 2013

DPRK – PRC trade up 6.2% in Jan – Oct 2013

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

According to Yonhap:

Trade between North Korea and its major trading partner China rose 6.2 percent on year in the first 10 months of this year to total US$4.72 billion, data showed Wednesday, despite international sanctions against Pyongyang over its defiant nuclear and missile tests.

The rise suggested that North Korea is becoming increasingly reliant on China, although Beijing is not supportive of Pyongyang’s nuclear ambition.

In the 10-month period, North Korea’s exports to China jumped 12.3 percent on year to account for $2.36 billion, according to data by the China Customs Information Center. The North’s imports gained 1.8 percent to $2.36 billion.

Remarkably this data shows a perfect balance of trade between the DPRK and China (exports=imports). This is a reversal from earlier in the year when it was reported that DPRK – PRC trade volumes had fallen from the previous year. See previous posts on DPRK trade statistics here.

Read the full story here:
Trade between N. Korea, China rise 6.2 pct in Jan-Oct despite sanctions
Yonhap
2013-12-4

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DPRK joins international satellite organization

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

According to Yonhap:

North Korea joined the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) convention last month as part of an ongoing effort contribute to the development of maritime transportation and safety, state media said Monday.

The Korean Central News Agency, citing the chief delegate to the general assembly of the International Maritime Organization said Pyongyang officially joined the convention on Oct. 15.

The delegate who attended the London meeting said Pyongyang will take steps to improve friendly relations with other members of the organization. The North’s news wire service did not disclose the name of the official.

The IMSO is an international body that uses satellites to regulate the movement of ships and maritime communication. South Korea’s telecom giant KT joined in 1985.

As part of its contribution, the North plans to set up and operate 25 very high frequency wireless stations along its eastern and western coasts starting next year, and actively pursue projects that can better preserve the maritime environment.

North Korean watchers, meanwhile, speculated that the North’s joining of the convention is part of an ongoing effort to mend fences and improve its image within the international community.

Read the full story here:
N. Korea joins int’l satellite organization
Yonhap
2013-12-2

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