A well placed Chinese-Korean business source who works regularly inside the DPRKhas told NK News that there are plans to convert the north-eastern city of Chongjin into a special economic zone (SEZ) “very soon.” Interestingly, the source said that the Chongjin SEZ would be a “real one”, unlike the somewhat limited Rason initiative. A second source on the matter confirmed the source's report, but added that when established city would be restricted to Chinese investment only – something that might not be that surprising given the already strong Chinese presence there (consular office, Chinese hotel, etc)
[caption id="attachment_35422" align="alignleft" width="210"] Power Plant in Chongjin[/caption]
A well placed Chinese-Korean business source who works regularly inside the DPRKhas told NK News that there are plans to convert the north-eastern city of Chongjin into a special economic zone (SEZ) “very soon.” Interestingly, the source said that the Chongjin SEZ would be a “real one”, unlike the somewhat limited Rason initiative. A second source on the matter confirmed the source's report, but added that when established city would be restricted to Chinese investment only – something that might not be that surprising given the already strong Chinese presence there (consular office, Chinese hotel, etc)
[caption id="attachment_35422" align="alignleft" width="210"] Power Plant in Chongjin[/caption]
Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations,
analysis
Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in
the loop
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting,
investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.