Beijing seeks North Korean port access for land-locked Jilin

THE Central Government in Beijing is reported to have held talks with North Korea about a proposal for landlocked Jilin province in northeastern China to use its neighbour's ports to ship cargo for a new economic development zone in the province, according to comments made by provincial governor Han Changfu.

A Reuters' report said the move would help revitalise Jilin's economy and strengthen North Korea's "derelict transportation system."

It said that "in October, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged to strengthen bonds with isolated North Korea during a visit to Pyongyang, and the port proposal appears to be another step in that direction."

Reuter's added that trade between Jilin province and North Korea amounted to US$247 million in 2008.

(Source: www.schednet.com)