대북 투자 분석과 투자 활성화 방안

Analysis on Foreign Economic Investment To DPRK And Policy on Investment Promotion

The principal sources of foreign currency for DPRK have been: 1. Export of raw material drawn from her mineral reserves, in particular the iron ore, fishery reserve, and other primary resources; 2. Special economic zones like the Kaesong Industrial Park and the Mt.Keumkang Tourism Zone; and, 3. Placement of foreign investment from China and Europe. The reasons for interest in DPRK’s raw material can be found in the explosive increase of China’s appetite for raw material and rise in price in the international commodities market. As China and EU increased their importation of DPRK’s mineral commodities, their investments in DPRK saw a corresponding increase. The trade of mineral commodities between the North and South Koreas, however, remains minimal. The principal export items of DPRK are marine products, IT products, textiles and electronics. Recently, China’s and EU’s trade with DPRK relating to the electric / electronic sector has been on the increase. The North Korean policy of the current South Korean administration and the international financial crisis have had a significant impact on DPRK’s economy and trade. DPRK’s economy reeling from widening trade deficit urgently needs increase in export. Toward that end, DPRK needs to embark on a policy of separation of politics and economics, in particular, with respect to the special economic zones and the export activities.