Sino-DPRK Border Trade PromisingOfficials of counties bordering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have vowed to foster China-DPRK trade and economic co-operation by intensifying infrastructure construction, encouraging the border economy and developing communications.Kim Jong-il, leader of the DPRK and Kim Dae-jung, president of the Republic of Korea, yesterday began a three-day summit. Officials of many Chinese counties along the China-DPRK border said they hope the summit fosters trade between China and the DPRK. Wang Zhilong, Chinese Communist Party secretary for Changbai County in Jilin Province, said the DPRK's need for Chinese goods can help develop Changbai's economy. Last year, the trade volume for Changbai, which shares a border with the DPRK,totalled 42.7 million yuan (US$5.14 million). In Liaoning Province's Kuandian County, the trade volume between the county and the DPRK was US$2.48 million last year. When ethnic Koreans in Changbai visit their relatives in the DPRK, the trips also help trade between China and the DPRK, Wang said. While trade between Changbai and the DPRK is not high, Changbai Customs Deputy Director Wang Zhixiang said the potential for trade and economic co-operation between Changbai and the DPRK remains highly promising. DPRK needs China's production equipment to revive its manufacturing sector. There is a huge demand in China for the DPRK's raw materials, lumber and aquatic products. |
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