Disinfection and Quarantine Work Completed at Cargo Facilities in Dandong, China... Fertilizers and Food Products Expected to Be Traded
US VOA Reports 4 North Korean Ships Approaching China, Road Construction on North Side of Sinamrokgang Bridge
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China's state-run Global Times reported on the 23rd that signs of North Korea-China trade resumption are emerging. When COVID-19 broke out last year, North Korea closed its borders and halted trade with China.
Lu Chao, a researcher on Korean Peninsula issues at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Cargo transportation between China and North Korea will resume soon, and there may be high demand for agricultural-related items such as fertilizer in North Korea." Lu added, "There was disinfection and cleaning of cargo facilities in the border area," and explained, "Chinese companies are preparing to resume trade with North Korea."
The Global Times, citing local sources in North Korea, reported that recently, Chinese imported food products such as cooking oil, milk, and seasonings were displayed at a grocery store in an embassy-dense area of Pyongyang, and these imported goods sold out very quickly. Although the North Korea-China border remains closed, it is estimated that small amounts of Chinese food products have entered North Korea. The Global Times added that except for certain grocery stores, it is still difficult to find Chinese food products in other shops.
The outlet also reported that Chinese businesspeople hoping to trade with North Korea are anticipating the border reopening. A Chinese company that has organized the annual Pyongyang International Trade Fair said, "The fair was not held last year due to COVID-19," and added, "We are waiting for an official announcement that the border will open."
The Global Times reported that before the border closure due to COVID-19, there were as many as 100 ships trading with North Korea and 500 registered border trade trucks. It also added that 100 to 200 people crossed daily.
Regarding this, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "China respects North Korea's infectious disease control policies," and stated, "We are ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with North Korea on the basis of COVID-19 prevention."
A source in Beijing said, "North Korea has faced many economic difficulties due to COVID-19 and floods last year," and added, "Rather than normal trade between North Korea and China occurring due to COVID-19 prevention issues, urgent supplies such as fertilizer may enter North Korea."
Meanwhile, Voice of America (VOA) reported on the same day that road paving work is underway on the North Korean side of the new Yalu River Bridge connecting China and North Korea. VOA also cited MarineTraffic data, reporting that four North Korean-flagged ships are preparing to dock at Chinese ports such as Dalian.
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