Workers in Shineuiju Ordered to Move Out

It is reported yesterday that North Korea has embarked on evacuating residents in the Shineuiju special economic zone. A Chinese, who visited Shineuiju the day before, said, "North Korea began forcing the residents in the exemplary district in Shingeuiju to move to other regions."

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He said, "North Korea decided to allow general public in the exemplary district to stay while instructing factory workers, who have been transferred to factories in other regions, to move out by the end of this month."

He also said that factory workers initially expected the improvement in wages and standard of living as Shineuiju was designated as a special economic zone. But they are now expressing displeasure against the government`s instruction.

North Korea is reported to designate 6.5 ㎢ in northern Shineuiju as an exemplary district and to complete preparatory works by the end of this month before embarking on the development process in earnest.

North Korea has provided a 2-stage development strategy. If the exemplary district successfully attracts foreign investment as expected, North Korea will expand its strategy to other areas of Shineuiju.

The Shineuiju special economic zone includes Shineuiju, Euiju, Seokam-ri and Ehwa-ri and other surrounding areas.

Meanwhile Dandung city of China has decided to lend full support of North Korea`s commitment to develop Shineuiju and is now examining details of the policy.

An official of Dandung said, "The city will provide the remaining 500,000 kW of electricity generated at a thermoelectric power plant near the Yalu River. The city is working out measures to exchange the electricity with coals considering North Korea`s inability to pay hard cash for electricity."

He added, "The provision of electricity is possible if 1 km-long power transmission cables are laid underground from the power plant to Shineuiju. Oil pipelines run through the bottom of the Yalu River to provide North Korea with oil."

yshwang@donga.com