◆High hopes for trade revival, but no new Chinese companies entering
A's report continued.
"Expectations are high in Rason for trade revival, but fewer Chinese visitors are coming than anticipated. Apart from companies that had facility investments and joint ventures before COVID, no new entrants are appearing.
Expectations are also rising among trading companies outside Rason, but there's talk that things won't return to how they were before. Right now, simply finding Chinese partners has become a money-making opportunity in itself. Some officials are entering Rason with trade proposals and such. Seafood exports to China are still prohibited due to sanctions, but exports of dried seafood products are apparently possible."
The Kim Jong-un regime has forcibly restricted individual economic activities, including market commerce, for about five years now. Most urban residents have seen cash income plummet, leading to severe domestic demand stagnation, while businesses struggle with funding shortages. Following authorities' directives, moves to expand trade with China are becoming visible in various border areas.
※ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea.
※All photos were taken in September 2025 from the Chinese side of the border by the ASIAPRESS border reporting team.
