Promoting North Korea

Often considered a closed country, it is surprising to know that North Korea participates in its own form of nation branding. Since 2000, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has used its English language site as the primary website for promoting the country. This site is the main source of information about activities led by the Korean Friendship Association (KFA) for promoting international ties of friendship such travels to the country, exhibitions, conferences, various cultural events and undertakings.

The website section dedicated to doing business in DPRK is led by The International Korean Business Centre (IKBC). The IKBC claims the following advantages of doing business in DPRK:

• Lowest labour cost in Asia.
• Highly qualified, loyal and motivated personnel. Education, housing and health service is provided free to all citizens. As opposed to other Asian countries, workers will not abandon their positions for higher salaries once they are trained.
• Lowest tax scheme in Asia. Especially for high-tech factories. Typical tax exemption for the first two years.
• No middle agents. All business made directly with the government, state-owned companies. No middle agents.
• Stable. A government with solid security and very stable political system, without corruption.
• Full diplomatic relations with most EU members and rest of countries.
• New market. Many areas of business and exclusive distribution of products (sole-distribution).
• Transparent legal work. Legal procedures, intellectual rights, patents and warranties for investors settled.

KFA and IKBC organise regular trips to the country that are available to all nationalities for tourism and business purposes. These trips provide an opportunity to see, participate and interact with the events, places, information and people that would not be allowed to regular visitors. The next scheduled trips will be in August 2011. Personally, these trips have piqued my curiosity. Any takers?

On the more whimsical side, there is a fully stocked online DPRK souvenir shop carrying a variety of keepsakes from T-shirts to iPhone 4 cases. Also, the KPA made a promotional video seen below:

(Photo: Tom Peddle)