N. Korea, China Ease Border Controls

North Korea and China newly opened a “Green Passage” with a streamlined process to relieve customs clearance congestion in the border area. The decision was made as increasing imports of iron from Hwereoung slowed the customs process.

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on October 1 that Beijing and Pyongyang agreed to open the Green Passage linking Ssanhur Jin of Jilin Province in China to Hwereoung City of North Hamkyong Province in North Korea. This paves the way for developing industrial complex in northeastern China.

The Green Passage is the second version of the “Green Port way,” which opened this March to connect Nason City of North Hamkyong Province in North Korea and Hunchun City in Yenben, Jilin Province, China. The second pathway will be used to facilitate the transportation of China’s manufactured goods and North Korea’s mine resources, increasing bilateral trade.

After six rounds of talks, border control authorities of Beijing and Pyongyang agreed to increase the working hours of customs officials from eight hours to 12 hours.

orionha@donga.com