North Korean authorities are importing expensive gifts to hand out to cadres during several national holidays in February, Daily NK has learned.
According to a Daily NK source in China on Wednesday, North Korean authorities have been using freight trains to import large amounts of wine during the month of January.
While Chilean wine accounts for most of the imports, there are also wines from France and Australia.
Although the prices of the wines differ, most are about RMB 400 to 500 (about USD 58 to 73), making them somewhat pricey even in China.
Freight trains traveling between China and North Korea are also carrying other kinds of high-end alcohol, including whisky and vodka.
North Korean authorities are focusing on alcohol imports to the extent that freight trains headed to Sinuiju are carrying literally tons of wine and whisky.
“Next month there are a number of holidays in North Korea, including Army Day [Feb. 8] and the Day of the Shining Star [Kim Jong Il’s birthday, Feb. 16], so North Korea is preparing high-end gifts to give to cadres,” one trader in China told Daily NK.
A Daily NK source in North Korea, meanwhile, said that so many imported wines and liquors, clothing and foods have recently arrived at major department stores and foreign currency shops in Pyongyang that inventories are holding steady.
North Korea appears to be importing luxury items to satisfy the demands of its upper class, and also raising money by selling those items at high prices to its wealthy entrepeneurial class, or donjuLiterally "masters of money," donju refers to people who hav... More, and cadres.
IMPORTS INCLUDE MORE MUNDANE ITEMS, TOO
North Korea has also imported large amounts of processed foodstuffs like biscuits, cookies, bread and snacks by train.
Daily NK’s source in the country said that North Korea usually imports grains like rice or soybeans by cargo ship.
Freight trains heading to North Korea still carry large amounts of construction supplies like glass, aluminum window frames and tiles.
North Korean imports of construction supplies are continuing as the country focuses on completing several major housing construction projects. In fact, North Korean trading companies are reportedly seeking out lots of supplies to complete the interiors of buildings.
Freight trains continue to carry soybean oil, seasonings and sugar, and the country is even importing car and truck parts by train, too.
Translated by David Black. Edited by Robert Lauler.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
