China and North Korea have agreed to speed up the development of special economic zones in the North set up by the two countries, media reports said.
Jang Song Thaek, the uncle and mentor of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, met China's Commerce Minister Chen Deming in Beijing on Tuesday and discussed joint development of the special economic zones at Rason and Hwanggumpyong near their common border. They also agreed to accelerate infrastructure development and promote corporate investment.
The two officials agreed that promoting the development of the zones would strengthen friendly ties between the two countries and lead to the region's prosperity and stability. They signed documents on technological cooperation and power supply.
North Korea says that it has given top priority on improving living standards of its people and aims to quickly rebuild its failed economy. China apparently hopes to help stabilize the impoverished country and gradually lead it toward economic reforms.
Jang is scheduled to visit areas of southern and north-eastern China where the country's economy is thriving.
by RTT Staff Writer
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