thenampo-pyongyangcorridor.docVIP

The Nampo-Pyongyang corridor A strategic area for European investment in DPRK Presented at: Recent Changes in North Korea and the Role of the European Union, Institute of Unification Studies Hans Seidel Foundation, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, June 1 (2007). Stanislas ROUSSIN, General Manager Head of Research Department SERIC COREE 1302 Byucksan Digital Valley V, 60-73, Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 153-801 Republic of Korea Tel: +82 (0)2-2082-5613; Fax: +82 (0)2-2082-5616; Email: roussin@ C?ar DUCRUET, Assistant Professor Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Economics, Faculty of Applied Economics Department for Regional, Port and Transport Economics Burg Oudlaan 50, PO Box 1738, 3000DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)10-408-1678; Fax +31(0) 10-408-9141; Email: ducruet@few.eur.nl Abstract This paper provides an overview of main problems affecting the development of North Korean regions. It recognizes the importance of transport and logistics as key factors in regional economic growth. A critical overview of main economic areas in terms of market size, industrial specializations, accessibility, and infrastructure provision, concludes that Nampo is the most efficient location for European companies that are willing to use North Korea as a base for producing and exporting their goods. Conclusions are based on recent figures about maritime traffics and hinterland characteristics. Keywords: DPRK, Europe, Logistics, North Korea, Regional Development Introduction Several studies have addressed the different characteristics of North Korea’s main economic areas. However, their results have remained mostly speculative and somewhat contradicting, due to data shortage. Therefore, most research depends on broad qualitative appreciations and external estimations of North Korea’s regional economic performance. Very few works have provided a quantitative regional geography of the country. As for example, Jo and Adler (2002) show the