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China cushions the fall in North Korean trade

Tuesday, May 15th, 2007

Joong Ang Daily
Hwang Young-jin
5/15/2007

North Korean trade with the EU and Japan went into a free fall last year, but China helped pick up the slack.

Missile and nuclear tests interfered with North Korean trade in 2006, leading to the country’s first decrease in five years, a report from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency said. Decreases in trade with the West caused by political problems were the biggest culprit, the agency said.

North Korean exports to Japan fell 41 percent while imports from Japan dropped 30 percent. Trade with the European Union went down 23 percent in exports and 18 percent in imports. The European Union and Japan are the world’s first- and third-largest economies. Trade with the world’s second-largest economy, the United States, was practically zero.

But trade with China, the nation closest to the North politically and geographically, served as a buffer to reduce the impact of the large drops in European and American trade, so the North’s overall trade figures didn’t change much, the agency said.

Almost 60 percent of North Korea’s trade is conducted with China. The North’s next-biggest trade partner was Thailand, which accounted for 12.5 percent.

The communist country’s trade volume in 2006 fell 0.2 percent, with exports dropping 5.2 percent to $947 million and imports increasing 2.3 percent to $2 billion. Trade has been growing since the start of the new millennium. In 2005, the total trade topped a record $3 billion.

With an international economic blockade in place, trade relations with Japan and the European Union got worse.

The Kotra report said the Feb. 13 agreement reached during the six-nation talks in Beijing regarding the nuclear issue is a positive signal for the recovery of North Korean trade, but it is up to North Korea whether to act on its commitments and allow trade to recover.

Inter-Korean trade was not considered in yesterday’s report. Trade between the two Koreas reached $1.3 billion in 2006, a 28 percent rise year-on-year. The South sold $830.1 million and bought $519.5 million.

Posted in China, EU, International Aid, International trade, Japan, Statistics, Trade Statistics | Comments Closed

All Japanese Goods to be removed from North Korea in 3 Years

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007

Daily NK
Kim Yong Hun
4/30/2007

North Korean high authority has issued domestic instructions to “remove all Japanese products from Pyongyang and every other city within 3 years.” A source in North Korea reported that the prohibition includes the trade and circulation of Japanese cars, bicycles, electronic goods, and groceries. The Kim Jong Il regime seeks to punish Japan for the attitude it displayed in the recent six party talks and for its decision to continue sanctions against North Korea for an additional 6 months.

As a result, reliance on Chinese and South Korean products such as refrigerated vans and trucks is increasing according to a custom house officer in the Chinese border city Dandung. There, “10 Yuan stores” offer South Korean goods whose main consumers are North Korean traders, according to the source. Hot items include plates, lunch boxes, shoes and clothes, and a South Korean electronic rice-cooker, the “Cuckoo.” The cooker is one of the most popular devices among North Korea’s elite who have spurred the import boom.

Posted in International trade, Japan | Comments Closed

Japan raid on pro-Pyongyang group

Wednesday, April 25th, 2007

BBC
4/25/2007

Japanese police have raided the offices of a pro-North Korean group in Tokyo in connection with the alleged kidnapping of two children in the 1970s.

Police moved in on two offices linked to the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, Chongryon, and the house of a 55-year-old woman.

They suspect the woman played a key role in the abduction of two children aged three and six in 1974.

North Korea has admitted abducting Japanese citizens in the 70s and 80s.

But it says that of the 13 people its agents seized, five have been released and eight are dead.

Tokyo has always suspected more citizens were kidnapped, and has refused full-scale economic assistance or the establishment of diplomatic ties with the North until the issue is resolved.

Angry scenes

The Japanese authorities said the raids were part of an investigation into the 1974 abduction of two children born to a Japanese woman and a Korean man.

Police sources said they suspected the 55-year-old woman of helping a North Korean agent – who left Japan in the late 70s – to kidnap the children, Kyodo news agency reports.

Three top Chongryon officials are also wanted for questioning over the case, the sources said.

There were angry scenes as police moved in on one of the Chongryon offices, Kyodo news agency reports.

Chongryon staff and supporters clashed with police and one man was reportedly arrested for trying to block the search.

Chongryon described the raid as a “political crackdown” by the Japanese authorities ahead of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the US.

Mr Abe, who has always taken a strong line on the issue of abductions, is expected to raise the issue when he meets US President George W Bush later this week.

The two children are not thought to be on the government list of Japanese citizens Tokyo believes were spirited away by the North to train its spies in Japanese language and culture.

Posted in Chongryun, Japan | Comments Closed

A Packet of “Seven” Cigarettes Costing 11,000 Won

Wednesday, April 18th, 2007

Daily NK
Kim Min Se
4/18/2007

Cigarette prices escalate as Japan toughens economic sanctions

Following Japan’s economic sanctions, North Koreans are finding it to difficult to splash out on luxury goods, an inside source informed on the 17th.

Though only a minority of the rich are experiencing this hardship as the import of Japanese cigarettes and foods slowly come to a halt, it will be interesting to note what further repercussions will follow as a result of Japan’s sanctions.

The North Korean rich often lavish on “Seven” cigarettes, made in Japan which is known to be different to “Mild Seven” sold in South Korea. It is a much stronger cigarette containing 14mg of tar and 1.4mg of nicotine,

Seven was first introduced to North Korea in the mid-1980’s and has captivated tobacco preference of North Koreans ever since. As living standards deteriorate in North Korea Seven cigarettes have become a rare commodity for an average person to have today, though earlier in the 90’s, Seven was a luxury cigarette smoked by the majority of North Koreans. In particular, merchants who accumulated wealth through North Korea-China trade still prefer this brand to others.

Unlike other popular luxuries, smoking is a habit which becomes easily addictive. Hence, a handful of North Korean elites who in the past commonly smoked Seven’s and acquired its taste are experiencing withdrawal symptoms today, due to Japan’s economic sanctions and consequent ban of Seven.

Seven is a strong cigarette and though it sells well throughout the Japanese, it is not a preferred brand in South Korea. While Japan places export bans towards the North, conversely North Korean authorities are also regulating Japanese goods. For this reason, North Korean citizens are smoking these cigarettes in secret.

As supply does not meet demand, the cost of Seven cigarettes has skyrocketed in the cities of Pyongyang and Nampo.

Nowadays, a packet of Seven’s in Pyongyang sells at around 40 Yuan (11,000 North Korean won, US$3.6). This is 7~8 times more expensive than the common North Korean brand of cigarettes “Cat.” Considering that a kilogram of rice costs 800 North Korean won (US$0.26) and the average monthly salary of a worker 3,000~4,000won (US$0.98~1.3), the price of Seven’s is phenomenal.

However, as supply continues to be depleted, rich merchants and powerful ministers face a difficult test.

Furthermore, the rich and former Korean residents of Japan are unable to taste the flavors of popular Japanese foods that they have become accustomed to such as soy sauce, bean paste and instant noodles for a long time.

Posted in International trade, Japan, Tobacco | Comments Closed

Kim Jong Il Sends Educational Aid Fund and Stipends to Korean Children in Japan

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

KCNA
4/17/2007

General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent educational aid fund and stipends amounting to 238,000,000 yen to the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) for the democratic national education of the children of Koreans in Japan on the occasion of the 95th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.

The educational aid funds and stipends sent so far by Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il to Chongryon in 153 installments total 46,006,223,000 yen.

Posted in Chongryun, Education | Comments Closed

Festive Mood in Pyongyang as Kim Il Sung’s Birthday Approaches

Friday, April 13th, 2007

Daily NK
Han Young Jin
4/13/2007

There are big three holidays falling in April at the same time: the 95th Kim Il Sung’s birthday (Apr. 15), the 75th foundation anniversary of the People’s Army (Apr. 25) and the 15th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s ascension to the throne (Apr. 20). According to DailyNK sources, all North Korean cities are busy to preparing for Kim Il Sung’s birthday events, along with Army preparation for a large scale military parade in Pyongyang.

From mid-April to mid-May, the mass-performance “Arirang” will feature 100,000 students participating in the 25th “Spring Friendship Spring Festival” and other memorial events for Kim Il Sung. Other events will include the release of a documentary movie, “Being with the great military-first Leadership”, to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s inauguration as the Chairman of the Defense Committee of North Korea.

Designed to inspire popular nationalism, the April events will occur on an unprecedented scale and will include the participation of the General Federation of Trade Union, the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, the Union of Agricultural Working People, and the Union of Democratic Women.

The Choson Sinbo of Chongryon (the General Association of North Korean Residents in Japan) is creating a cheerful atmosphere through the release of an article, “the Solar Holiday (Kim Il Sung’s birthday, Apr. 15) in this year is the great fest for the winners.”

North Korean authority intends to take a triumphant stance due to the thaw in U.S. relations, the resumption of six party talks, and perceived diplomatic victories after the nuclear test. The 1998 national slogan, “The Construction of the Strong Prosperity Nation” is believed to have been accomplished this year because of the test.

Previously, military parades were used to emphasize tension between the U.S. and North Korea. However, the upcoming parade is intended to be a victory celebration of a win in confrontation against the U.S. In the past when North Korea has been the beneficiary of positive world opinion, it capitalized by strengthening its domestic surveillance and political education systems. The April events are in furtherance of their strategy to maintain military tension while simultaneously whipping up nationalistic, nuclear pride.

Posted in Chongryun, Civil society | Comments Closed

Festive mood grips N. Korea as late founder’s birthday nears

Friday, April 13th, 2007

Yonhap
4/14/2007

A festive mood was pervading North Korea Saturday as the birthday of the communist state’s late founder drew near, with a series of exhibitions and gatherings being held, the North’s state media reported.

Pyongyang has staged art, sports and dance events annually for the birthday of Kim Il-sung, which falls on April 15, and is also known as the Day of Sun. Kim died of heart failure on July 8 1994 at the age of 82, and his son Kim Jong-il took power afterward.

Art troupes from China, Russia, Japan, Kazakhstan, India and Indonesia staged performances in Pyongyang on Saturday, the third day of the country’s April Spring Friendship Art Festival, according to the North’s state media.

A flower exhibition for “Kimilsungia,” an orchid named after Kim, was opened Friday with the North’s and foreign officials in attendance. The exhibition will be run until Thursday.

The festive mood is expected to culminate when the North stages the pro-unification Arirang festival Sunday through May 20. It is one of the North’s major gymnastics events and is popular among both Western and South Korean visitors.

Foreign delegations also have arrived Pyongyang to celebrate Kim’s birthday, the state media reported.

An Indonesian delegation made a visit to the North’s Mansudae Assembly Hall on Friday and conveyed a present to the incumbent North Korean leader via Kim Young-dae, the North’s No. 3 leader. It also toured Mankyongdae, the birthplace of the late founder in a rural village near the North Korean capital.

A Russian delegation also paid homage to a Kim Il-sung statue at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, while a Mongolian delegation paid visits to art exhibition halls and other sites to commemorate the birthday.

Posted in Art, China, Civil society, Japan, Russia, Sports | Comments Closed

Laos to Free N. Korean Kids If Japan NGO Pays Money

Monday, April 9th, 2007

Korea Times
4/9/2007

A Laotian government official has demanded that a Japanese nongovernmental organization seeking the release of three North Korean teenagers from a Laotian prison pay $1,000 in cash per detainee, Kyodo News reported Sunday.

The Japanese news agency quoted Hiroshi Kato, chairman of the Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, as saying that the Tokyo-based group has rejected the idea of paying, but it is concerned Laos could accede to Pyongyang’s demands and extradite the three youths to North Korea.

According to Kato, the three detainees are a 17-year-old girl, a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, all from North Hamgyong Province in northeastern North Korea.

They smuggled themselves into China in the early 2000s after suffering food shortages, the death of their parents and other hardships in their homeland. Now they hope to find exile in the United States.

The children were caught by Laotian border security officials in November as they were crossing the Mekong River in an attempt to go to Thailand via Laos, said Kato, who met them in a prison in Vientiane.

They were given a three-month prison term for illegal entry into Laos. Although the three months have passed, they are still being detained, Kyodo quoted Kato as saying.

Kato’s group contacted the Laotian government to become guarantors for the youths and was told by a government official they could be handed over to the Japanese group for $1,000 each.

The NGO decided to reject the request, fearing it would set a bad example in seeking the protection of North Korean refugees in Laos.

But the group is concerned that a North Korean consul, which visited the prison Friday, will demand that Vientiane deport the three to North Korea.

Posted in Emigration, Japan, Laos | Comments Closed

Letter of Thanks to Kim Jong Il from Chongryon

Sunday, April 8th, 2007

KCNA
4/8/2007

General Secretary Kim Jong Il received a letter of thanks from the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on April 8 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the remittance of educational aid fund and stipends to the children of Koreans in Japan by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.

The education aid fund and stipends sent by the President 50 years ago served as life-giving water that brought the national education in an alien land into bloom and an engine that dynamically pushed forward Chongryon and the movement of Koreans in Japan, the letter said, and continued:

The Koreans in Japan could usher in a heyday of national education by displaying patriotic enthusiasm in all fields with the high honor and pride of being overseas citizens of the DPRK led by the immensely kind-hearted and wise President and conduct a more vigorous patriotic movement centered on the national education after building modern Korean schools in different parts of Japan.

Over the past five decades since then, the warm love and care shown by the President have shed more brilliant rays under your loving care and the educational aid fund and stipends sent by you keep the great flower garden of national education in fuller bloom.

Recalling that Kim Jong Il has wisely led the national education of Koreans in Japan, regarding it as a lifeline for the movement of Koreans in Japan, the letter noted that thanks to his guidance they have firmly preserved the soul of Koreans and led a worthwhile life as the overseas citizens of the DPRK generation after generation even in terror-ridden Japan where national persecution and phobia about Koreans prevail.

We Koreans in Japan will cherish the faith that we are sure to emerge victorious as long as we are led by you and wage a more vigorous patriotic movement, decisively frustrating the heinous moves of the Japanese right-wing reactionaries by the force of single-minded unity and thus greet with pride the 21st congress of Chongryon as one of victors, one of unity and put the movement of Koreans in Japan on a new higher level, the letter concluded.

Posted in Chongryun, Education, Japan | Comments Closed

Pro-Pyongyang group file suit against Japanese government

Saturday, March 31st, 2007

Yonhap
3/31/2007

A pro-Pyongyang organization in Japan filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government and Tokyo provincial government seeking compensation for damages it claims were caused by a police raid on its office, the local media reported.

According to the reports, the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) lodged a complaint Friday with Tokyo’s district court, saying the investigation by the Japanese police last November was illegal.

The investigation was a political act intended to oppress the organization and its affiliates, it said.

Japanese police raided a number of houses at the end of November in response to allegations that a 74-year-old woman affiliated with the group attempted to ship bags of an intravenous solution needed by doctors to the North.

The intravenous solution is used to supply patients with nutritionally rich amino acids both prior to and after surgery.