North Korea remains a state isolated from the international economic system. Consequently, it lacks access to, or credibility with, international investors and developmental finance, yet it has survived and indeed grown for much of the last decade. Part of its survival and economic growth can be attributed to Chinese support.

However, NK Pro analysis indicates, North Korean state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have also been given a greater degree of autonomy in price-setting on the domestic market, product development, and are now legally allowed to obtain finance from private individuals. They are also allowed to trade directly with foreign