Myohyangsang Tour Company, chinese, china
A North Korean bus with "Myohwangsang Tour Company" written on its side passing over the Sino-North Korean Friendship Bridge from Sinuiju to Dandong on Oct. 15, 2019. / Image: Daily NK
North Korea recently opened its doors to Chinese investors and traders, allowing them to collaborate with local companies on machinery, equipment, and mineral development.
“Large numbers of Chinese investors and traders entered North Korea on Feb. 26. They arrived either by air from Beijing and Shenyang to Pyongyang or by bus from Dandong in Liaoning province to Sinuiju,” a source in China told Daily NK recently.
While the exact number wasn’t disclosed, the source estimated there were at least several dozen, possibly over a hundred Chinese businesspeople in the delegation.
Many of these visitors had business relationships with North Korea before COVID-19 closed the border and had been preparing for this opportunity to return.
Issued three-month visas, these Chinese business visitors plan to discuss cooperation projects with North Korean companies during stays lasting one to three months.
Notably, most of those granted entry have backgrounds in exporting machinery and equipment or investing in mineral development. General traders who previously imported light industrial goods and food from China weren’t given permission to visit.
“Before COVID-19, many commercial middlemen lived in Sinuiju or Pyongyang, but not all were allowed to return. Only those with experience in machinery, equipment, and mineral investment received entry permits,” the source explained.
“Many Chinese who were locked out of North Korea for nearly five years due to COVID-19 applied for entry permits, and many were rejected. The announcement of approved names has led to speculation that authorities selected only people working in priority sectors,” the source added.
Chinese traders believe these permits were issued specifically to serve the North Korean regime’s needs and interests.
Many visiting Chinese investors reportedly aim to invest in North Korean mineral resources. Some are interested in mineral processing or long-term mine development concessions, while others plan to export heavy construction equipment or machinery needed for new provincial factories.
Most visitors have connections to construction, mineral development, and factory operations—all key priorities for the North Korean government.
This visit isn’t viewed as a one-time event. “Other Chinese businesspeople are preparing to travel to Pyongyang for joint ventures with North Korean companies. We expect regular visits by Chinese businesspeople to North Korea throughout this year,” the source concluded.
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