Residents of the Rajin-Sonbong Free Economic and Trade Zone are allowed to engage in private enterprise, and first indications are it is successful. The government in Pyongyang licensed the operation of the stalls in June as part of a radical departure from state policy, which bans private enterprise. Even though the fare at the food kiosks is traditional, business is said to be brisk. The North Korean authorities modeled Rajin-Sonbong after similar special enterprise zones in China and Russia, hoping to attract overseas investment.
Observers say the zone is likely to stimulate local economies.
Rajin is now also building its first public market in a joint project with a Chinese company. It is hoped that the market will be a place where North Korean and Chinese traders can sell or barter goods. And while those first capitalist steps are tentative at best, observers are watching closely to see just how far the economic freedom will extend. External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. Inc. All Rights Reserved.