The representatives of Hanns-Seidel-Foundation Korea had the chance to travel to the Special Economic Zone Rason for first talks with its Bureau for Economic Cooperation. Rason consists of the two cities Rajin and Sonbong and became North Koreas first Special Economic Zone in 1993. The zone is part of the so called Golden Triangle where North Korea shares borders with China and Russia.

Before going to Rason, Dr. Berhard Seliger and Sarah Kohls from HSS Korea met the representative of Rasons Bureau for Economic Promotion, Mr. Kim Kyong-Chol, in Yanji, China. Talks with the Director and other members of the Bureau for Economic Cooperation took place in Rajin. These talks clarified that the zone was established for three main reasons: Firstly, the advantageous location of Rajin port should be used to increase the transit trade with China and Russia. Secondly, the tourism sector should be improved since apparently Chinese tourist go to Rajin in summer to enjoy the beaches. Last but not least, the economic factor with foreign investment (mostly from China) should bring prosperity to the whole region. Unfortunately, especially the last years did not show much improvement for the economic zone. According to Director Kim, one reason is that the administration of the economic zone still lacks experience in successfully promoting and attracting foreign investment. The cooperation within the Golden Triangle with China and Russia also did not turn out as good as one hoped for. A lack of power and bad road conditions still remain a problem as well. These problems should be faced especially from next year on. China agreed to improve the condition of the road from Rajin to the Chinese border whereas Russia will help to reconstruct the railway to its own border.

Meeting in Yanji with Kim Kyong-Chol, representative of the Bureau for Economic Cooperation Rason

Talk with Kim Hwang-Rin, Director of the Bureau for Economic Cooperation in Rason