North Korea is hardly visible from outer space due chronic power shortages, its population regularly encounters food shortages and international sanctions are designed to stop the sale of “luxury goods.”

Considering all of these factors, some might find the diverse range of goods on offer at the 18th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair difficult to understand.

Everything from solar panels to kitchen fittings to herbal remedies and tablet computers were on display at this May’s event, reflecting the increasingly diverse needs of the local population.