DPRK Business Monthly Volume 1, Issue 7 - August 2010
Market Insights:
- Fashion Trends: The latest fashion trend showcases clean silhouettes and minimalism, influencing the direction of denim towards simplicity, dark washes, and straight cuts.
- North Korean Jeans Industry: Surprisingly, North Korea's Noko brand, featuring two jeans styles for men and women, has emerged as a significant player. The jeans, priced at $215 including shipping, align with the trend of minimalistic aesthetics inspired by Pyongyang's nightscapes.
Economic Developments:
- China's Economic Praise: Kim Jong Il acknowledged China's economic advancements, particularly in provinces bordering North Korea, praising the resourcefulness and hard work of Chinese people. This interaction emphasizes bilateral cooperation and North Korea's interest in China's economic model.
- Irish NGO Concern Projects: An Irish non-governmental organization, Concern, initiated EU-funded programs focusing on sanitation, waste management, sustainable food production, and forestry improvements in North Korea, benefiting thousands of people across various regions.
Agroforestry Success: A pioneering project in North Korea demonstrates the effectiveness of agroforestry in addressing food security and environmental protection. This method involves growing trees on sloping lands, contributing to community food production, income generation, and ecosystem restoration.
Debt Repayment Offer: North Korea has proposed to repay a $10 million debt to the Czech Republic through ginseng exports, reflecting the country's scarcity of hard currency due to international sanctions. This move highlights alternative means of economic transactions under restrictive trade conditions.
