Since the June 8 and 9 groundbreaking ceremonies for joint development projects between North Korea and China were held， attention has been directed toward North Korea’s international economic activities. The Japan-based newspaper， Chosun Shinbo， featured an interview article regarding these collective projects， including the areas of Hwanggumpyong and Wiwha Islands and the Rason Economic and Trade Zone.
According to North Korea’s Committee of Investment and Joint Venture， Rason Economic and Trade Zone is， “an important national undertaking following the teachings of Kim Il Sung. . . . Rason will soon become the entrepot port like Singapore， enhancing the lives of North Korean people.”
In addition， it was mentioned that the development of economic zones in Hwanggumpyong and Wiwha Islands will solidify the already strong DPRK-China friendship and expand the boundaries of international economic relations.
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