According to a Daily NK source in Pyongyang recently, “The Ministry of External Economic Affairs issued a directive in late March to trading companies and first-class enterprises under various ministries and central agencies, instructing them to independently develop and pursue trade activities according to their own circumstances starting this month.”
The source explained that the core of this directive is to allow these entities to engage in foreign currency earning activities with minimal state intervention in their finances, while also granting them authority to independently establish joint ventures and collaborative projects.
The source further revealed that “this directive is actually an attempt to secure funds for the party. Trading companies under Room 39 have already initiated practical contacts with Russia and the Middle East, and some have established joint ventures for medium to long-term business projects in foreign countries.”