North Korea’s economy in 2017 turned in its worst performance in two decades, reported the Bank of Korea, giving new credence to the Trump administration’s…
North Korea’s economy in 2017 turned in its worst performance in two decades, reported the Bank of Korea, giving new credence to the Trump administration’s claims that tough international sanctions helped drive Pyongyang to the bargaining table with Seoul and Washington.
After the U. S. pushed for tougher U. N Security Council’s sanctions, the North Korean GDP plummeted 3.5 percent in 2017, according to Korean media outlet Chosun Ilbo. The numbers have not been this low since the devastating 1997 famine that resulted in millions of deaths.
North Korea has pressed for an easing of sanctions as nuclear talks with the U. S. proceed, but Mr. Trump and his aides have insisted so far that the sanctions won’t be eased until the North fully gives up its nuclear and long-range missile programs. But there has been anecdotal evidence the North is trying to boost its international economy as the talks proceed.
The South Korean newspaper reported Monday that China and North Korea have teamed up to open a travel agency office in Taiwan to promote the North’s meager tourism traffic.
